Pathogenic bacteria associated with cultured American eels, Anguilla rostrata Le Sueur

Abstract

American eels, Anguilla rostrata, obtained from an aquaculture facility in South Carolina were examined for diseases and bacterial pathogens were isolated and identified. During the first year of culture, only a small number of bacterial pathogens and diseases were detected in glass and elver stages. This observation appears to be associated with a natural immunity to disease and/or administering the antibacterial compound, nitrofurazone. There was also a positive correlation between the use of nitrofurazone and the isolation of nitrofurazone resistant strains of Aeromonas hydrophila. A higher incidence of bacterial pathogens and/or disease occurred during the process of culling and in older eels during warmer months. The primary aetiological agent of disease of cultured eels was A. hydrophila. Other potential pathogens isolated included A. salmonicida, Vibrio spp. and Pseudomonas spp.