Course description

The aim of the training course on fish pathology is to introduce the students into the modern knowledges both in the infective fish diseases and environmentally and farming technologically influenced health condition of fishes. After a brief introduction into the anatomy and physiology of farmed fishes (mostly carp fishes and salmonids) detailed informations on infective (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitological) and non-infective diseases and intoxications are going to provided.

Each topic represents 2 hour lectures and 2-4 hour practicals using microscopes and equipments for the standard necropsy. The lecturer is going to hand out short summaries on the practical topics.

Literature:

Baska, F (2013): Lecture ppt files

Roberts, R.J. (2000) Fish Pathology

 

Recommended:

Kabata (1990) Tropical fish diseases

Stosskopf (1990) Fish Medicine

 

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Lectures theme

1. The structure of the fish. The integument. Taxonomic features.

 

2. The motion. The digestive system. Digestion.

 

3. Gills and respiration. Blood and vascular system.

 

4. Urinary system, excretion. Gonads and reproduction. Endocrin system. Nervous system. Sensory organs.

 

5. Water environment and it’s characteristics. The food-chain. Fish pond and fish farm. Technical characteristics and function of the fishing establishment.

 

6. Fish culture technology and it’s effect on fish. Spawning, rearing, harvesting, wintering, transporting.

 

7. On the spot examination of fish and pond. Requirements towards specimens for laboratory examination.

 

8. Diseases caused by viruses. SVC, VHS, IPN.

 

9. Bacterial diseases. Erythrodermatitis, vibriosis.

 

10. Diseases caused by algae and moulds. Gill necrosis, saprolegniosis, toxicoses caused by algae.

 

11. Importance of parasitic infection. Diseases caused by protozoan parasites. White spot disease.

 

12. Diseases caused by sporozoan parasites. Coccidioses, Swimbaldder-inflammation.

 

13. Diseases caused by metazoan parasites. Gill worms, helminths, parasitic crabs.

 

14. Diseases caused by environmental factors. Loss of oxygen, feeding disorders. Treatment and medication in the fish farming praxis.

 

15. Toxicosis of fish. Heavy metal, insecticide and other toxicosis. Regulations in the EC, veterinary controll.

Exam information

written exam, semi final