Elżbieta Terech-Majewska, Andrzej K. Siwicki, Iza Deperasińska, Patrycja Schulz, Alicja Bernad, Krzysztof Duchiewicz
ABSTRACT. Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) is a dangerous, chronic bacterial disease of salmonids inhabiting fresh, brackish, and marine waters. It occurs in all locations where salmonids (Salmonidae) occur or are cultured, with the exceptions of Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. The etiological agent of BKD is Renibacterium salmoninarum, which is a typical Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that is extremely sensitive to the effects of environmental factors. It is an obligate pathogen that dies quickly outside the fish body, because it cannot withstand saprophytic competition from other microflora occurring in the water. All species belonging to the genus Oncorhynchus sp. are susceptible to infection and disease. Fish are susceptible at all ages, but direct losses occur in fish aged over six months. The aim of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge on BKD and methods to prevent and control it as it is an increasingly common problem in the controlled rearing of salmonids in Poland. The paper underscores the importance of prophylactic measures against and the control of this disease based on laboratory diagnostics and monitoring of all fish age groups, the metaphylactic use of erythromycin, and by maintaining sanitary and biosafety conditions. It is especially important to protect fish from stress and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This also provides an additional opportunity for implementing prophylactic measures. Monitoring, controlling, and reporting this disease are not obligatory, which could lead to its further spread.
Keywords: Salmonid bacterial diseases, Renibacterium salmoninarum
Przyjęto po recenzji 9.05.2017 r.