Newly identified Flavobacterium strains threaten Brazil's fast-growing fish farms
Researchers have detected four Flavobacterium species, previously known only in Asia and the US, in Brazilian aquaculture, raising concerns for the industry.
Scientists have uncovered four Flavobacterium bacteria in Brazil's aquaculture sector for the first time, species that were previously limited to Asia and the United States. The isolates, collected from farms raising Nile tilapia, tambaqui, pacu and Amazon spotted catfish, comprised six F. oreochromis samples plus F. davisii, F. indicum and F. inkyongense. Experiments demonstrated that several strains thrive and produce biofilms at temperatures common in tropical fish farms, with F. davisii maintaining strong biofilm formation even at 35 °C despite reduced mobility.
These bacteria cause columnaris disease, which creates skin lesions and can kill larvae within days. Researchers stress that improved sanitation, possible salinity adjustments, and the development of autogenous vaccines could mitigate the emerging threat.
Why it matters
The discovery signals a new disease risk for Brazil's expanding fish industry, potentially affecting food supply and farm profitability.
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