Experimental exposure to low concentrations of Neoparamoeba perurans induces amoebic gill disease in Atlantic salmon

• Published in: Journal of Fish Diseases
• Main Authors: Bridle, AR, Hill, T, Smith, A, Crosbie, P, Nowak, BF
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2021
• Subjects: amoebic gill disease; experimental challenge; risk prediction; Atlantic salmon
• Online Access: https://eprints.utas.edu.au/42563/; https://eprints.utas.edu.au/42563/1/143438%20-%20Experimental%20exposure%20to%20low%20concentrations%20of%20Neoparamoeba_OA.pdf

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a significant issue in Atlantic salmon mariculture. Research on the development of treatments or vaccines uses experimental challenges where salmon is exposed to amoebae concentrations ranging from 500 to 5,000/L. However, the water concentrations of N. perurans on affected salmon farms are much lower. The lowest concentration of N. perurans previously reported to cause AGD was 10/L. Here, we report that concentrations as low as 0.1/L of N. perurans can cause AGD. We propose that concentrations of N. perurans that reflect those measured on salmon farms should be used for future experimental challenges.