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A Review Of Flavobacterium Psychrophilum Biology, Clinical Signs, And Bacterial Cold Water Disease Prevention And Treatment, Michael E. Barnes, Michael L. Brown

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is a ubiquitous bacterium in the aquatic environment, particularly in freshwater [1]. As the etiological agent of bacterial coldwater disease, it is a serious fish pathogen causing substantial economic losses and rearing difficulties to both commercial and conservation aquaculture [2]. This review paper describes the epidemiology, clinical signs, prevention, and treatment of the fish diseases attributed to this pathogen, which are similar despite the different geographic labels. In addition, the basic biology of F. psychrophilum and the techniques required for successful bacterial culture, isolation, and identification are discussed.