Mortality in farmed European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Italy due to Streptococcus iniae ...

• Main Authors: Pirollo, Teresa, Perolo, Alberto, Mantegari, Simone, Barbieri, Ilaria, Scali, Federico, Alborali, Giovanni Loris, Salogni, Cristian
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2023
• Subjects: Genetics; FOS Biological sciences; Anguilla anguilla; European eel
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6581398.v1; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Mortality_in_farmed_European_eel_Anguilla_anguilla_in_Italy_due_to_Streptococcus_iniae/6581398/1

Abstract Background Streptococcal infections are one of the main causes of fish disease. During the last decade, Streptococcus iniae has become one of the most important aquatic pathogens worldwide, causing high losses in marine and freshwater finfish. Clinical signs in farmed fish include loss of appetite, lethargy and grouping at the bottom of the tank. Gross changes comprise darkening of the skin and haemorrhage at the basis of fins and opercula. To date, S. iniae has been isolated from several wild and farmed fish species but never in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). In Europe, eel production from aquaculture is around 4500 tonnes and Italy is the third largest producer. This communication represents the first report of an outbreak of S. iniae infection in European eels. Case presentation The outbreak occurred at an eel farm in northern Italy between May 2021 and September 2021. The outbreak caused about 2% mortality per month, resulting in the loss of about 10% of the farmed fish. The diseased eels ...