The efficacy of salt treatment for Dactylogyrus extensus (Monogenea) infection in Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

Salt is widely recommended as a cost-effective and readily available compound against freshwater fish parasites in aquaculture; however, a limited number of studies provide scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of salt use despite its frequent use as an anti-parasitic in fish culture. Dactylogyrus is a severe gill parasite, causing considerable losses in freshwater aquaculture. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-parasitic efficacy of salt against Dactylogyrus extensus in Cyprinus carpio. In vitro, mortality of D. extensus showed time- and concentration-dependent patterns. In vivo, the anti-parasitic effectiveness of salt to D. extensus was assessed at 23.56% after exposure to salt at a concentration of 1.25 g/L for 10 min. Anti-parasitic efficacy of salt in short-term application in carp can be categorised between slight and mild against monogenean, D. extensus.