An outbreak of acute disease and mortality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post‐smolts in Norway caused by Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi

An outbreak of disease characterized by skin ulcers, fin rot and mortality was observed a few days after the transfer of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from a freshwater smolt production facility to a land‐based seawater post‐smolt site. Dead and moribund fish had severe skin and muscle ulcers, often 2–6 cm wide, particularly caudal to the pectoral fins. Microscopic examination of smears from ulcers and head kidney identified long, slender Gram‐negative rods. Histopathological analysis revealed abundance of long, slender Tenacibaculum‐like bacteria in ulcers and affected fins. Genetic characterization using multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of seven housekeeping genes, including atpA, dnaK, glyA, gyrB, infB, rlmN and tgt, revealed that the isolates obtained during the outbreak were all clustered with the Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi‐type strain (USC39/09^T) from Spain. Two bath challenge experiments with Atlantic salmon and an isolate of T. dicentrarchi from the outbreak were performed. No disease or mortality was observed in the first trial. In the second trial with a higher challenge dose of T. dicentrarchi and longer challenge time, we got 100% mortality within 48 hr. This is the first reported outbreak of disease caused by T. dicentrarchi in Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon.     

The effect of diet and environmental temperature on the faecal microbiota of farmed Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)

We investigated the changes in the faecal microbial population of the hindgut of farmed Atlantic salmon fed two commercial diets (A and B) over a 10‐month period. At each sampling round, hindgut contents of 40 fish (20 per diet) were pooled according to diet and cultivated on selective agar. The functional status of all microbiota was assessed against 48 substrates using the PhPlate generalized microplate, which also yielded a metabolic capacity (MC) value for each microbiota. Virulence gene profiles of each microbiota were also investigated. The number of different bacterial groups between two diets varied slightly and increased as water temperature peaked at 18.5°C during summer. This however, was associated with an increase in Vibrio numbers and a decrease in lactic acid bacterial numbers. A shift in the functional status of gut microbiota was observed as temperature increased, which was coupled with a decrease in the MC‐value of the microbiota in both diets. Of the 35 virulence genes tested from total DNA extract of the microbiota, only cdt and east1 were detected. Results indicate that temperature is the main driver of changes to the gut microbiota in farmed Tasmanian Atlantic salmon receiving these two diets.     

Alternative dietary protein sources for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) effect on intestinal microbiota,intestinal and liver histology and growth

The present study has addressed the issue of dietary alterations on gut microbiota in fish by investigating modulation of the allochthonous and autochthonous bacterial gut community of Atlantic salmon following feeding with pea protein concentrate, soy protein concentrate, extracted sunflower, poultry by‐product and feather meal. The results revealed that total allochthonous and total autochthonous bacteria isolated from the distal intestine (DI) were affected by dietary modulations. Total autochthonous bacteria in proximal intestine remained unaffected. Corynebacteriaceae dominated the allochthonous bacteria and Lactobacillaceae dominated the autochthonous bacteria community in proximal and DI indicating that the most abundant groups are not shifted by alternative proteins. Some variations were observed between the bacterial communities as result of dietary manipulations. Alternative protein sources resulted in no severe signs of enteritis. Vacuolization of the liver was unaffected by diet. Furthermore, addition of plant materials significantly affected production of acetic acid. Weight of pyloric‐, proximal‐ and DI was influenced by diet, especially feather meal. Growth performance was significantly affected by inclusion of feather meal to the diet. In conclusion the results showed that pea protein concentrate and poultry by‐products are suitable protein replacements for Atlantic salmon and that soy protein concentrate is a potential candidate.     

Assessment of winter size‐selective mortality of young‐of‐the‐year Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) using otolith microstructure analysis*

Abstract – The objectives of this study were, first, to assess the usefulness of otolith microstructure analysis to examine winter size‐selective mortality of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Atlantic salmon and, secondly, to validate various hypotheses relating to the dynamics of two populations with different winter survival. By examining otolith microstructure, we back‐calculated body size at hatching and at emergence of YOY salmon sampled in fall 2000 and in early summer 2001 on the Petite Cascapédia River and the Bonaventure River (Québec, Canada). The results of the study did not reveal any size‐selective mortality of YOY salmon in the Petite Cascapédia River, while in the Bonaventure River, size‐selective mortality of the smaller individuals of the cohort was detected. This case study allowed not only a better comprehension of the population dynamics of those rivers but demonstrated the usefulness of otolith analysis to detect winter size‐selective mortality under a natural environment.     

Surface properties of Streptococcus phocae strains isolated from diseased Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L

Streptococcus phocae is an emerging pathogen for Chilean Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, but the factors determining its virulence are not yet elucidated. In this work, cell surface–related properties such as hydrophobicity and haemagglutination, adhesion to mucus and cell lines, capsule detection, survival and biofilm formation in skin mucus and serum resistance of the isolates responsible for outbreaks in Atlantic salmon and seals were examined. Adhesion to hydrocarbons and the results of salt aggregation tests indicated most of the S. phocae were strongly hydrophobic. All isolates exhibited a similar ability to attach to the Chinook salmon embryo (CHSE) cells line, but were not able to enter CHSE cells. Haemagglutination was not detected. Our data clearly indicate that S. phocae can resist the killing activity of mucus and serum and proliferate in them, which could be associated with the presence of a capsular layer around the cells. Pathogenicity studies using seal and fish isolates demonstrated mortality or pathological signs in fish injected only with the Atlantic salmon isolate. No mortalities or histopathological alterations were observed in fish injected with extracellular products.     

Urea in feeds for sea water farmed Atlantic salmon: effect on growth, carcass quality and outbreaks of winter ulcer

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate whether dietary supplementation of urea might reduce the incidence of winter ulcer in sea water-farmed Atlantic salmon. Salmon destined to be S0 smolt were fed with a urea-supplemented diet (0 or 20 g kg⁻¹ urea) over an 8-week period prior to sea water transfer and were then fed supplemented diet (0, 5, 10 or 20 g kg⁻¹ urea) during the first and second winters in the sea. During the first winter positive relationships between dietary urea and plasma urea and between plasma urea and plasma osmolality were observed. Further, plasma osmolality displayed a negative relationship to mortality. Of the salmon that died during the first winter in the sea 90% had one or more skin ulcers. Both during the first and second winter there were fewer salmon with ulcer among fish fed with the diets supplemented with urea. Salmon fed with 20 g kg⁻¹ urea tended to have higher percentage water in the muscle. Mortality and incidence of salmon with ulcer seemed to relate to plasma osmolality amongst fish fed on diets that differed in levels of urea supplementation, suggesting that an osmotic imbalance may contribute to the development of winter ulcer in farmed salmon. Salmon fed with 20 g kg⁻¹ urea showed significantly greater body weight during the second winter in sea. Fish killed without prior starvation had significantly higher level of muscle urea in the 20 g kg⁻¹ urea group compared with fish fed with the unsupplemented diet. However, a 13-day starvation period reduced urea content in the muscle to the level of the control. No effects of dietary urea supplementation on the sensory quality of market size Atlantic salmon were observed.     

Glucose tolerance in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., dependence on adaption to dietary starch and water temperature

Individually tagged Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were fed three different adaptation diets containing low, medium or high levels of extruded starch, before intraperitoneal injection of glucose. The injections were done at winter and at summer temperatures. This was to investigate whether the tolerance for glucose varied according to adaption diet and/or according to season. The results showed a temperature-dependent response. At winter temperatures (2°C) the Atlantic salmon had problems adapting to both medium and high levels of dietary starch. This was indicated by lower growth response in the adaptation period, as well as by delayed glucose regulation. At summer temperatures (12.5°C) the Atlantic salmon could tolerate and utilize both medium and high levels of dietary starch. In summer also all groups responded evenly to the tolerance tests with respect to blood glucose regulation. Incorporation of liver glycogen was higher at summer than at winter temperatures in the high- carbohydrate group. No effect was found on haematocrit values as a response to diet or season.     

Carnobacterium maltaromaticum vs. Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum in the midgut of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.): an ex vivo study

The present investigation addresses whether the midgut (MG) of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) is an infection route for Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum serotype 02 β and if Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, a probiotic bacterium, can out‐compete the pathogen and modulate the autochthonous MG microbiota. This was investigated by using an ex vivo method the intestinal sac, utilized previously in studies on Atlantic cod and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Exposure of the MG to V. (L.) anguillarum did not reveal any cell damage indicating that the MG does not appear to be an infection route for V. (L.) anguillarum in healthy Atlantic cod. This finding together with previous observations on Atlantic cod and Atlantic salmon indicate that intestine as an infection route might vary between these two species. When the MG was exposed to C. maltaromaticum, no cell damage or cellular disruptions were observed. As budding from the apices of microvilli was observed in all treatments exposed to bacteria, we suggest that budding might be involved in the primary barrier against bacterial infection. However, to clarify this hypothesis, further studies are needed. Exposure of the MG to the probiotics and pathogenic bacteria indicated that C. maltaromaticum, to some extent, is able to out‐compete V. (L.) anguillarum but the topic merits further investigation. Analysis of the MG microbiota after sterile saline solution and bacterial exposure indicates that bacteria related to Staphylococcus sciuri belong to the autochthonous gut microbiota in Atlantic cod.     

尼罗罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌结构特征及其与鱼体健康状况相关关系

黏膜及其表面的共生菌群是鱼类抵御外界不利环境的第一道屏障。为探索养殖罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌菌群的结构特征是否与其健康状况间存在相关关系,本研究运用高通量测序技术,以无乳链球菌腹腔注射攻毒48 h后存活和濒死尼罗罗非鱼为检测对象,检测攻毒前后罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌群落结构差异。结果显示,健康尼罗罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌均存在优势菌群,主要为特吕珀菌属、硫杆菌属、弓形杆菌属、海单胞菌属和弧菌属。人工感染无乳链球菌后存活尼罗罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌菌群与感染前无显著差异;与存活组相比,濒死尼罗罗非鱼的表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌菌群多样性下降,其中弓形杆菌属、假交替单胞菌属、海单胞菌属、假单胞菌属和弧菌属等含量显著下降,链球菌属含量占总菌群的55.30%±1.24%,表明养殖尼罗罗非鱼表皮和鳃黏膜共生菌群落结构可能与其健康状况相关。     

Effect of intraperitoneal injection of immunostimulatory substances on allochthonous gut microbiota of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) determined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

The allochthonous microbiota in the proximal and distal intestine was investigated in three groups of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fed a commercial diet and intraperitoneally injected with (a) phosphate‐buffered saline (control), (b) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the fish pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida, and (c) laminaran [β‐(1,3)‐d ‐glucan]. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the hyper variable V3 region was used to present the microbiota in different experimental groups. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of excised DGGE bands suggested that an intraperitoneal injection of LPS from A. salmonicida affects the allochthonous gut bacteria of Atlantic salmon to some extent, as Aeromonas enteropelogenes, Aeromonas veroni, Psychrobacter, Lactobacillus letvazi, Lactobacillus satsumensis, Pantoea, swine manure bacterium and several uncultured bacteria were unique for this group. On the other hand, the bacterial diversity of the allochthonous microbiota did not seem to be affected by injection of β‐(1,3)‐d ‐glucan. Sequences of this experimental group were most closely related to A. enteropelogenes, uncultured Escherichia and Lactobacillus aviarius ssp. aviarius.     

A survey of the distribution of the PKD‐parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (Cnidaria: Myxozoa: Malacosporea) in salmonids in Norwegian rivers – additional information gleaned from formerly collected fish

The malacosporean Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae was detected in kidneys from Atlantic salmon parr in 64 of 91 sampled Norwegian rivers. Using real‐time PCR, this parasite was found to be present in Atlantic salmon parr in rivers along the whole coast, from the northernmost and southernmost areas of the country. In addition, T. bryosalmonae was found in kidneys from brown trout parr in 17 of 19 sampled rivers in south‐east Norway, and in Arctic charr sampled in the River Risfjordelva, located at the northernmost edge of the European mainland. In conclusion, T. bryosalmonae has a widespread distribution in salmonids in Norwegian watercourses. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) caused by T. bryosalmonae and PKD‐induced mortality has been observed in salmonids in several Norwegian rivers and it can be speculated that more PKD outbreaks will occur as a result of climate change.     

Fillet Quality and Processing Attributes of Postsmolt Atlantic Salmon,Salmo salar,Fed a Fishmeal‐free Diet and a Fishmeal‐based Diet in Recirculation Aquaculture Systems

Many studies have evaluated the adequacy of alternate ingredient diets for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, mainly with focus on fish performance and health; however, comprehensive analysis of fillet quality is lacking, particularly for salmon fed these diets in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). To this end, a study was conducted comparing fillet quality and processing attributes of postsmolt Atlantic salmon fed a fishmeal‐free diet (FMF) versus a standard fishmeal‐based diet, in replicate RAS. Mean weight of Atlantic salmon fed both diets was 1.72 kg following the 6‐mo trial and survival was >99%. Diet did not affect (P > 0.05) processing and fillet yields, whole‐body proximate composition(fat, moisture, protein), fillet proximate composition, cook yield, fillet texture, color, or omega‐3 fatty acid fillet content, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels. Whole‐body ash content was greater in salmon fed the FMF diet. The FMF diet resulted in a wild fish‐in to farmed fish‐out ratio of 0:1 per Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch criteria due to its fishmeal‐free status and use of lipids from fishery byproduct. Overall, fillet quality and processing attributes were generally unaffected when feeding a diet devoid of fishmeal to postsmolt Atlantic salmon cultured in RAS. [Correction added on 7 September 2017, after first online publication: the P value in Abstract has been changed from “P < 0.05” to “P > 0.05”.].     

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Mucus Viscosity and Susceptibility of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, to Amoebic Gill Disease

The treatment of amoebic gill disease (AGD) in cultured Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., using mucolytic agents has been previously reported. The agent L‐cysteine ethyl ester reduces salmonid mucus viscosity and potentially increases the flushing of the gill. In the present study, the effects of the mucolytic agent N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) were assessed. Cutaneous mucus from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, and Atlantic salmon was shown to have reduced viscosity when mixed in vitro with 100 or 200 μg/mL NAC. Saltwater‐acclimated rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon were fed an oil‐incorporated, NAC‐medicated diet (8 g NAC/kg diet) for up to 24 d and challenged with inoculation of 300 cells/L Neoparamoeba spp., the etiological agent of AGD. Control fish were fed normal oil‐coated pellets and received no NAC. NAC medication failed to reduce the severity of gill lesions associated with AGD even though the mucus viscosity from medicated fish was less than that of controls. Oral NAC medication does not appear to be an effective method for controlling AGD in salmonids despite reducing cutaneous mucus viscosity.     

Assessing the diet of North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) off the West Greenland coast using gut content and stable isotope analyses

Investigations on the marine feeding of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the Northwest Atlantic are limited compared with the Northeast Atlantic. Climate‐induced changes to food webs in Atlantic salmon feeding areas have been noted, alongside increased mortality despite a cessation of most marine fisheries. As forage efficiency may be hampering survival, it was important to address this knowledge gap. Atlantic salmon were sampled at three sites on the West Greenland coast (Sisimiut, Nuuk and Qaqortoq) between 2009 and 2011. Gut content and stable isotope analyses were combined to assess spatial and temporal differences in feeding. Capelin (Mallotus villosus) dominated the diet at Nuuk and Qaqortoq, whereas boreoatlantic armhook squid (Gonatus fabricii) was the dominant prey at Sisimiut. Hyperiid amphipods (Themisto spp.) and sand lance (Ammodytes spp.) were also important. Significant differences were found among sites for both gut contents and stable isotope analyses, with fewer differences evident temporally. Dietary differences were also evident across larger scales, with little overlap demonstrated with Northeast Atlantic diets and the emergence of boreoatlantic armhook squid as an important prey item over time. Atlantic salmon diets are frequently anchored on one or two prey items, on which they appear to specialize, but they will diversify to consume other available pelagic prey. Thus, Atlantic salmon are an opportunistic, generalist predator within the pelagic food web. The variability evident in diet suggests that the limited data available are insufficient to appropriately understand potential vulnerabilities that the species may have to ecosystem changes, and suggest further research is needed.     

Temporal changes in ascendance and in‐season exploitation of Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar,inferred by a video camera array

Abstract Weekly exploitation rates of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Utsjoki, Finland, were estimated from catch reports during the 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 seasons, and recordings of all Atlantic salmon ascending the river using a submerged video camera array. In all years, mean weekly fishing mortality rates were significantly higher in June than July to August, with a falling trend throughout the fishing season. Owing to overlap in size between one‐sea‐winter (1SW) and multi‐sea‐winter (MSW) salmon, the estimated fishing mortality rates were based on all sea‐age categories combined. By the second week in June, 18.3–34.7% of large salmon (only MSW) had ascended, compared with 2.2–6.4% of small salmon (1SW and some MSW). Indirectly, the earlier start of ascent of large salmon to River Utsjoki indicated that in‐river fishing mortality of MSW salmon is higher than for 1SW salmon. A later opening of the fishing season may be used to reduce the in‐river fishing mortality, especially for the MSW component.     

Amoebic gill disease (AGD)-affected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., are resistant to subsequent AGD challenge

There is inconsistent evidence of resistance of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., to amoebic gill disease (AGD). Here, evidence is presented that demonstrates that Atlantic salmon exposed and subsequently challenged with AGD are more resistant than naïve control fish. Seventy‐three per cent of Atlantic salmon previously exposed to AGD survived to day 35 post‐challenge compared with 26% exposed to Neoparamoeba sp. for the first time, yet the gill pathology of surviving naïve control or previously exposed fish was not significantly different. Development of resistance to AGD is associated with anti‐Neoparamoeba sp. antibodies that were detectable in serum of 50% of surviving Atlantic salmon previously exposed to AGD. However, anti‐Neoparamoeba sp. antibodies were not detectable in cutaneous mucus of resistant fish. Increased resistance of Atlantic salmon after secondary Neoparamoeba sp. infection and detection of specific serum antibodies provides support for the development of a vaccine for AGD.     

Cold‐water vibriosis. The current status of knowledge

The current review for the first time summarizes the findings of the 30 years of research on cold‐water vibriosis (CWV). The diseased caused by Aliivibrio salmonicida (earlier known as Vibrio salmonicida) was for the first time described in 1986 and became one of the most important bacterial diseases in salmon aquaculture. The lack of appropriate vaccine hampered development of Atlantic salmon aquaculture until the late 1980s when a novel vaccine allowed dramatic increase in the Atlantic salmon farming. In December 2007, the genus Vibrio was split into two genera and several bacterial species including V. salmonicida were transferred to genus Aliivibrio. The change of the names create significant difficulties with the designation of the CWV disease agent since its abbreviation A. salmonicida became similar to another well‐known salmon pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida). The disease was considered as controlled by vaccination, but reappeared at Atlantic salmon farms in 2011, this time affecting vaccinated Atlantic salmon. The current review summarizes the knowledge on pathogenesis, vaccination and treatment of CWV and proposes further directions for studying the disease.     

Food deprivation causes rapid changes in the abundance and glucidic composition of the cutaneous mucous cells of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

Cutaneous mucus is the first physical and chemical barrier of fish. This slime layer is secreted by mucous cells located in the epidermis and is mainly composed of glycoproteins that have their origin in the diet. Therefore, food deprivation can potentially change the abundance and glucidic nature of skin mucous cells, thus changing the mucus properties. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment with Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Changes in the number and glucidic nature of epidermal mucus cells were analysed using standard techniques. The outcome of this study shows that food deprivation caused a rapid decrease in the density of epidermal mucous cells in Atlantic salmon. Lectin histochemistry revealed a change in the presence and stainability of some sugar residues in the mucous cells of unfed fish compared with fed fish. Given that the primary reason for mucus secretion in fish is for protection against infections, we speculate that the changes in the mucus properties caused by nutritional stress may affect their disease resistance. This fact is particularly important for fish that spend a period of time deprived of food, either as a part of their natural life cycle, or as part of farming practices.     

Anesthesia induces stress in Atlantic salmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo salar</Emphasis>), Atlantic cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis>) and Atlantic halibut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippoglossus hippoglossus</Emphasis>)

Stress in response to anesthesia with benzocaine, MS-222, metomidate and isoeugenol was studied in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) with no concomitant stress from handling or confinement in association with anesthesia or sampling. All of the anesthetics tested induced a stress response in all species, displayed by a release of cortisol to the water. MS-222 anesthesia elicited the highest cortisol release rates, reaching maximum levels 0.5 h post-exposure and returning to basal levels after 3–4 h. Benzocaine anesthesia caused a bimodal response where the initial peak in cortisol release rate was followed by a second increase lasting towards the end of the trial (6 h). This bimodality was more profound in Atlantic salmon than in Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod. Metomidate anesthesia induced the lowest release of cortisol of the agents tested in both Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod, but resulted in a bimodal response in Atlantic salmon where the initial increase in cortisol release was followed by a larger increase peaking at 2–2.5 h post exposure before returning to basal levels after 5 h. The stress induced in Atlantic salmon by isoeugenol anesthesia resembled that of MS-222, but did not reach the same elevated level. Overall, the cortisol release was most profound in Atlantic salmon followed by Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod.