Diseases of wild and farmed Finfish

Moritella viscosa

Moritella viscosa is one of the causative agents of winter ulcer disease which primarily affects salmonids and causes significant losses in the marine aquaculture.  The disease occurs mainly in colder water temperatures (<10ºC) and presents as ulcers on the dorsal surface of the fish and which can lead to mortality.  Olsen et al (2011) reported a possible relationship between Tenacibaculum and the development of ulcers in winter ulcer disease  however it is thought that these may only be secondary infection.

Diagnosis

• Bacteriological culture and biochemical testing
• Histopathology
• Molecular confirmation