Treatments for hinge ligament disease in juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

• Main Author: Rich, Kimberly Suzanne
• Other Authors: Hendrickson, Gary
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Humboldt State University 2006
• Subjects: Fisheries; Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas); Humboldt Bay; Cytophaga-like bacteria; CitroBio; Pacific; Crassostrea gigas
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/207189

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Natural Resources: Fisheries Biology, 2006 Cytophaga-like bacteria are the known etiological agent responsible for hinge ligament disease in juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). An economically viable, natural way to manage this disease has not been documented. In vitro efficacy of hydrogen peroxide, CitroBio and ozone were determined for one strain (C1B-2) of Cytophaga-like bacteria. In vitro results showed that the CLB strain had the greatest sensitivity to CitroBio at 1000 ppm after 30 seconds. In vivo trials with hydrogen peroxide and extensive histological work failed to show a decrease in hinge ligament erosion. Approximately 71-74% of juvenile C. gigas were observed with ligament erosion at the conclusion of field trials. No serious pathological conditions resulting from a weakened hinge ligament were observed. No mortality nor negative effects on growth were noted as a result of treatment with hydrogen peroxide. In vitro results suggest further testing with CitroBio would be of benefit.