Presumptive mycobacteriosis in North‐east Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus L.

• Published in: Journal of Fish Biology
• Main Author: MacKenzie, K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1988
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1988.tb05360.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1095-8649.1988.tb05360.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1988.tb05360.x

A total of 9470 mackerel aged from 0 to 20 years was examined for a disease condition whose causative agent has not been identified but which resembles mycobacteriosis. The study area extended from off Portugal to the northern North Sea. Most mackerel over 2 years old snowed evidence of gross infection. Mean intensity increased with age, indicating a chronic disease of low pathogenicity. There is statistical evidence of an adverse effect on growth, and it is suggested that this may delay first spawning of some young mackerel for at least 1 year. Western stock mackerel appear to be more heavily infected than North Sea stock, and the lowest levels of infection were found off Portugal. The general level of infection decreased in the most recent year classes examined–those of 1982, 1983 and 1984.