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Prevention of Fish Diseases <br />Prevention of disease should be a primary objective of all <br />culturists. Ideally, facilities should be maintained pathogen <br />free. Although elimination of all pathogens is .virtually <br />impossible, extreme care should be exercised- to prevent the <br />introduction of any new pathogenic organisms. Only stocks that <br />have undergone a complete disease history evaluation and have been <br />classified specific pathogen free (see Fish Health Policy and Fish <br />Health Policy Implementation Guidlelines, Appendices A and B) <br />should be considered for introduction to any broodstock facility. <br />Water quality parameters should always be maintained within <br />suggested limits (Tables 2A, 28, 2C, Wedemeyer, 1981 (4)). The <br />importance of minimizing environmental and management stress to <br />fish stocks as it relates to the prevention of disease cannot be <br />overemphasized. <br />Warning Signs Of Disease <br />In spite of the best .preventative efforts, diseases still occur. <br />It is vital to treatment and control that diseases are detected as <br />soon as possible. The best method to detect a disease at its- onset <br />is by the close observation of fish during feeding. If any of the <br />following conditions are observed, a disease outbreak should be <br />suspected and immediate treatment recommended;.:; <br />Behavioral Signs <br />-- Failure to feed in a normal fashion <br />-- Flashing (turning on their sides) <br />-- Riding "high" in the water <br />-- Rubbing on the bottom <br />-- Gathering around the water inflow <br />-- Reduced vitality (lethargic) <br />-- Abnormal distribution (scattered. <br />-- Gasping at the surface.. <br />Physical Sictns <br />-- Blistered areas <br />-- Swollen abdomen <br />-- "Pop-eye" <br />throughout rearing unit) <br />Hemorrhaged areas on fin bases or eyes <br />Discoloration and/or erosion of .body parts <br />Excessive mucus production <br />Fungus growths <br />Abnormal growths on body parts <br />2-3 <br />