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Library > Diseases and Medications > Internal Problems > Mycobacteriosis in Fish
		Mycobacteriosis in Fish
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		Management Mycobacterial infections of fish should be considered non-treatable. Therefore, it is best to destroy infected stocks and thoroughly disinfect facilities before restocking. Following depopulation, the entire system, especially the filter bed, must be thoroughly disinfected with a mycobactericidal product (see below). In addition, all equipment that has been in contact with the infected fish should be disinfected. Gloves should be worn when handling infected fish or cleaning contaminated tanks or other equipment. Hands should be washed thoroughly afterwards with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a bactericidal soap. Under no circumstances should fish from an infected population be sold, moved or given away. Management of mycobacteriosis for large aquatic exhibits at zoos or public aquaria may differ somewhat from management at production facilities. Because display exhibits have often been in continuous operation for several years and may have large numbers of fish of different species, there is a greater probability of low level infection. If one or two fish are found to have mycobacterial infections, a fish veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Random or targeted sampling of other fish in the same exhibit should be considered to assess approximate prevalence of the disease in the group. Depending upon this prevalence and the advice of a knowledgeable veterinarian, further action may or may not be warranted. At best, continuous monitoring of diseased fish for presence of mycobacteriosis should be undertaken. At worst, as recommended in production facilities, the entire exhibit may require depopulation and thorough disinfection with chlorine and isopropyl alcohol. Disinfection Protocol Mycobacteria are resistant to many commonly used bactericidal agents at standard dosage rates, including chlorine bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds. As much as 10,000 ppm chlorine has been reported necessary to kill mycobacteria. Mycobacteria are sensitive to 60-85% alcohol. In addition, there are special products marketed specifically to decontaminate mycobacteria-infected surfaces. However, if these are used, efforts must be made to remove all residues of disinfectant. Summary Fish mycobacteriosis is a chronic and debilitating disease that can affect marine and freshwater fish. Little is known about the factors that influence the frequency and distribution of this pathogenic organism. Infected fish are a primary reservoir of infection, although non-tuberculous mycobacteria can be found in the environment. Mycobacteriosis can be suspected when gray-white nodules (granulomas) are seen on internal organs, either grossly or on wet mounts using a light microscope. Disease diagnosis is confirmed by staining suspect tissue with an acid-fast stain. There is no treatment for fish infected with mycobacteria, so depopulation of an infected group is strongly recommended. Contaminated water and equipment should be thoroughly disinfected. People who may be exposed to infected material should wear gloves and wash thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and an antibacterial soap. Immuno-compromised individuals should be prevented from having direct contact with mycobacteria-infected material. more ...

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