Pigmentation and growth performance in the blue gourami,Trichogaster trichopterus,fed marigold,Calendula officinalis,powder, a natural carotenoid source

The present study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of marigold, Calendula officinalis, powder, 0 (control), 0.5% (M0.5), 1.5% (M1.5), and 2.5% (M2.5), on pigmentation and growth performance of the blue gourami after a 70‐day trial. At the end of the experiment, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in fish growth performance and body compositions. Color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) were weekly evaluated by examining a point posterior to the fish operculum. The marigold‐fed fish were darker than the control fish at Weeks 9 and 10. Yellowness intensity of the M2.5 was significantly higher than the other treatments at Week 9. Skin and caudal fin total carotenoids, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β‐carotene contents of the treatment M2.5 were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Muscle total carotenoids, astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin contents of the marigold‐treated fish were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Muscle β‐carotene contents of the treatments M1.5 and M2.5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. This study shows that marigold powder may be considered an efficient natural carotenoid source for pigmentation in blue gourami.     

Lymphocystis infection in snakeskin gourami, Trichogaster pectoralis (Regan), (Anabantidae)

Abstract. A lymphocystis infection is described from aquarium-held snakeskin gourami, Trichogaster pectoralis (Regan). The cytoplasm of the hypertrophic cells revealed virus particles of extended hexagonal profiles with thin two-layered capsids. Subsequent examination of the fish 4 months later revealed hypertrophic cells showing varying degrees of collapse and degradation. The virus particles loading such cells were of regular hexagonal profiles with thick three-layered capsids.     

In vitro inhibition of epithelial cell invasion by Aeromonashydrophila Vibrio species by fish Aeromonas hydrophila major adhesin

A virulent strain of Aeromonas hydrophila (PPD 134/91) was obtained from the Primary Production Department, Singapore. Its major adhesin was isolated and purified by potassium thiocyanate extraction and Bio-Gel P-100 gel filtration. The ability of the protein in peak 1, termed major adhesin, to inhibit bacteria from adhering to and invading host cells was studied in vitro using epithelioma papillosum cells of carp (EPC). Results showed that a concentration of 10 μg ml^–1 of this major adhesin could competitively inhibit 28% of A. hydrophila PPD 134/91 from invading EPC cells in vitro. When the concentration was increased to 40 μg ml^–1, the major adhesin significantly cross-inhibited nine other virulent or weakly virulent strains of A. hydrophila. In addition, the major adhesin significantly inhibited not only another bacterial strain from the same family, Aeromonas sobria, but also strains of Vibrio spp. tested. Therefore, we suggest that the major adhesin of this virulent A. hydrophila strain has the potential to be used as a vaccine against the heterogeneous Aeromonas and Vibrio species.     

Microcystis aeruginosa (Kütz) incorporated diets increase immunity and survival of Indian major carp Labeo rohita (Ham.) against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary dosages of Microcystis on the immune response and disease resistance against infections due to the opportunistic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Labeo rohita fingerlings were fed diet containing 0 (Control), 0.5, 1.0 and 5 g Microcystis powder kg^?1 dry diet for 90 days. Three replicate groups of fish averaging 20 ± 2 g were fed for 3 months daily. At 30 days interval, samples were assayed for different biochemical [serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio] and immunological (superoxide anion production, lysozyme and serum bactericidal activity) parameters. The results demonstrate that fish fed Microcystis showed increased levels of lysozyme, serum bactericidal activity, serum protein and albumin (P ≤ 0.05) as compared with the control group. After 90 days, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila and mortality (%) was recorded up to day 10 postchallenge. The group fed 1.0 g Microcystis kg^?1 dry diet showed the highest percentage survival (72%). These results indicate that Microcystis aeruginosa stimulates the immunity and makes L. rohita more resistant to infection by A. hydrophila when fed in dried form in feed.     

Influence of dietary lipid sources on growth,reproductive performance and fatty acid compositions of muscle and egg in three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (Pallas, 1770)

Five isonitrogenous (420 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.3 kJ g^?1) practical diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), Kilka fish oil (KFO), linseed (LO), canola (CO) and soybean (SBO) oils fed to juveniles of three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (initial weight 1 ± 0.03 g) three times per day to apparent satiation for 14 weeks. Results showed the mean final weight of brooders was not significantly affected by dietary oil sources. Specific growth rate for fish fed in SBO and CO diets was statistically higher than for fish fed diet LO. Fish fed diets CO and KFO showed in significantly higher GSI value compared with other diets. Absolute fecundity was greatest in fish fed diets KFO and CO, which significantly differ with other treatments. Except for KFO diet, high fertilization percentages (87.3–93.45%) were observed in other treatments. Fatty acid composition of muscle and egg was found to be positively correlated with their respective dietary lipid sources. High levels of EPA, DHA and n‐3 HUFA in brooders fed diet FO negatively affect egg quality parameters. Therefore, the results demonstrated that vegetable oil‐based diets (CO, SBO and LO, respectively) can positively affect on growth performance of juveniles compared with fish oil‐based diets. Furthermore, CO and LO diets, respectively, showed positive effects on reproductive performance in T. trichopterus compared with fish oil diets during experimental period under controlled conditions.     

Improvement of intestinal barrier,immunity, and meat quality in common carp infected by Aeromonas hydrophila using probiotics

The fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila causes gastrointestinal tract infections and hemorrhagic septicemia and represents a widespread risk in aquaculture. This study aimed to determine whether compound probiotics could improve the intestinal barrier, immunity, and meat quality of common carp infected by A. hydrophila by feeding them compound probiotics. Carp were assigned to one of four groups: (1) control (no infection, no probiotics); (2) control?+?probiotic; (3) A. hydrophila infected; and (4) the A. hydrophila?+?probiotic group. At the beginning of the experiment, the carp were injected with either saline (0.86%) or A. hydrophila (4.87?×?10⁷ CFU/mL). After 2 weeks of the feeding regime, results suggested that in A. hydrophila infected carp, dietary probiotics regulated the intestinal microflora as evidenced by a reduced abundance of Proteobacteria and increased amounts of Firmicutes and Fusobacteria in the intestine. In addition, dietary probiotics ameliorated both villus swelling and the decrease in villus height induced by A. hydrophila (P?<?0.05). Moreover, probiotics prevented the A. hydrophila-induced decline of Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 levels in the intestine (P?<?0.05). The addition of probiotics into the feed also increased acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM) activity in the serum (P?<?0.05), in comparison to the A. hydrophila group. Importantly, when compared to A. hydrophila-infected carp, compound probiotics alleviated the decrease in muscle nutrient quality (P?<?0.05). In summary, we show that dietary compound probiotics can prevent the impact of A. hydrophila infection on the intestinal function and disease resistance, while ensuring carp muscle quality.

     

灭活菌苗免疫的南方鲇外周血液细胞免疫指标的变化

以嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonashydrophila)灭活菌苗为免疫原,以平均体重为86 20g人工饲养的健康南方(Silu rusmeridionalis)为实验对象,通过腹腔注射免疫原(浓度为1 0×108/mL)免疫,剂量为0 2mL/尾,并分别在免疫后的第1、2、4、7、14、21、28天对实验鱼尾静脉采血,进行血液生理指标和血液中吞噬细胞活性的测定。结果显示,嗜水气单胞菌灭活菌苗(FKC)可以增加南方外周血液白细胞数量并引起不同种类白细胞组成比例的变化,提高吞噬细胞的吞噬活性。在免疫后第1、2、4、7、14、21、28天,南方外周血中白细胞数量呈明显上升趋势,其中嗜中性粒细胞、单核细胞、淋巴细胞变化趋势更为明显;而且吞噬细胞活性大为提高,吞噬百分比较对照组平均升高了17 66%,吞噬指数比对照组平均升高了1 16,在免疫后第4天吞噬百分比和吞噬指数均达到最高值,吞噬百分比为48 40%,吞噬指数为4 82;免疫后第21天,吞噬百分比和吞噬指数开始下降,但仍高于对照组。由此表明,使用疫苗后,鱼类非特异细胞免疫在初期(尤其是在第2～7天)明显增强,这是鱼用疫苗在免疫早期保护作用的主要机制之一。     

Interaction of the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila with tilapia, Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner), phagocytes

Abstract. Interaction of Aeromonas hydrophila and tilapia, Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner), phagocytes was studied in vitro. All virulent and avirulent strains of A. hydrophila tested could multiply in non-activated and Freund's complete adjuvant activated phagocytes. Activated phagocytes increased the uptake of bacteria into cells, and the rates of intracellular replication for these bacteria were faster than in non-activated phagocytes. Among the A. hydrophila strains examined, virulent strain PPD134/91 replicated at the fastest rate inside phagocytic cells and produced cytopathic effect in the phagocytes in the shortest incubation time. Opsonized avirulent A. hydrophila were sensitive to phagocyte-mediated killing or unable to grow in phagocytes. Serum components and phagocytes may together prevent the growth of avirulent A. hydrophila in fish. The release of extracellular oxygen radicals during phagocytosis was examined using chemiluminescence assay (CL). Virulent strains induced CL responses but avirulent strains did not. This suggests that the virulent strains interacted with the phagocytes somewhat differently from the avirulent strains.     

Effects of partial replacement of fish meal with Spirulina platensis meal in practical diets on growth,survival, body composition,and reproductive performance of three-spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (Pallas, 1770)

This study investigated the effects of fish meal replacement by Spirulina platensis meal on growth, survival, body biochemical composition, and reproductive performance of Trichopodus trichopterus until the first spawning for 16 weeks. The fish fed dietary algal meal at levels of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 % against those received fish meal only as control. The results showed that indicators such as belly diameter, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and viscerosomatic index were significantly different between treatments with 5 and 10 % algal replacements (P < 0.05). The growth factors including final weight, weight gain, total length, fork length, and body height of fish did not show significant differences (P > 0.05) between the treatments. Feed intake increased up to 10 % replacement level and then decreased, though the best FCR values (0.77–0.79) were obtained with 2.5 and 5 % substitutions. The body lipid content showed a statistically marked decrease (P < 0.05) as a result of the algal replacements, but the amounts of protein and moisture were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between treatments. All fish fed S. platensis meal had greater gonadosomatic indices (19.4–21.85 %) than that of the control in spite of insignificant differences (P > 0.05) in their ovary weights (2.07–2.21 g). Absolute fecundity ranged between 7300 and 12,700 eggs/female with the highest amount in fish fed with replaced S. platensis levels of 2.5–10 %. The second-order polynomial regression analysis between absolute fecundity and substitution levels of algal meal was y = ?0.5319x ² + 106.87x + 7812.9 (R ² = 0.9642), and the optimal substitution level was determined to be 8.13 % for maximum absolute fecundity. Hatching percentages in the control and 20 % replacement were much lower (P < 0.05) than those in the other treatments (78–86 %). Given the relative enhancement of growth parameters and significant improvement in reproductive performance of broodstock three-spot gourami, 8.1–9.6 % S. platensis meal instead of fish meal is recommended in the diets.     

Optimization by orthogonal array design and humoral immunity of the bivalent vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio fluvialis infection in crucian carp (Carassius auratus L.)

Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio fluvialis are the causative agents of a serious haemorrhagic septicaemia that affects a wide range of freshwater fish in China. In order to develop a bivalent anti‐A. hydrophila and anti‐V. fluvialis formalin‐killed vaccine to prevent this disease, an orthogonal array design (OAD) method was used to optimize the production conditions, using three factors, each having three levels. The effects of these factors and levels on the relative per cent survival for crucian carp were quantitatively evaluated by analysis of variance. The final optimized formulation was established. The data showed that inactivation temperature had a significant effect on the potency of vaccine, but formalin concentration did not. The bivalent vaccine could elicit a strong humoral response in crucian carp (Carassius auratus L.) against both A. hydrophila and V. fluvialis simultaneously, which peaked at 3 or 5 weeks respectively. Antibody titres remained high until week 12, the end of the experiment, after a single intraperitoneal injection. The verification experiment confirmed that an optimized preparation could provide protection for fish at least against A. hydrophila infection, and did perform better than the non‐optimized vaccine judged by the antibody levels and protection rate, suggesting that OAD is of value in the development of improved vaccine formulations.     

硫酸新霉素控制肠型嗜水气单胞菌性草鱼肠炎病的给药方案

水温(25±2)℃时,给体质量150~200g的草鱼分别口灌4种剂量(10、20、30、40mg/kg)的硫酸新霉素,采用柱前衍生化高效液相色谱法测定血液、肠道和肌肉内的实时药物质量浓度,结合硫酸新霉素对肠型嗜水气单胞菌的体外药效学和草鱼单次口灌不同剂量的硫酸新霉素的体内药代动力学以及硫酸新霉素在肠道内的代谢规律进行研究。结果显示,硫酸新霉素对肠型嗜水气单胞菌的最小抑菌质量浓度为6μg/mL,抗菌后效应为1h;按不同剂量口灌草鱼后,草鱼肠道内0~24h用药曲线面积/最小抑菌质量浓度分别为52.467、72.963、109.907、136.489;肠道内药物的最大质量浓度/最小抑菌质量浓度分别为10.93、15.24、23.20、28.98;口灌剂量为40mg/kg的硫酸新霉素时,血药质量浓度达峰时间为2h,达峰质量浓度为3.833μg/mL。综合肠道0~24h用药曲线面积/最小抑菌质量浓度和肠道达峰质量浓度/最小抑菌质量浓度2个指标,确定硫酸新霉素对由肠型嗜水气单胞菌引起的草鱼肠炎病的给药方案为:每日给药1次,每次40mg/kg,连续给药3~5d,休药期为8d。     

Evaluation of gross protein and lipid requirements in formulated feed for honey gourami,Trichogaster chuna (Hamilton 1822)

Gross protein and fat requirements in formulated feeds designed for the honey gourami, Trichogaster chuna (initial weight 1.34–1.38 g), were investigated. Feeds containing 30%, 40%, and 50% protein and 6% and 9% lipid at each protein level were tested. Protein and energy sources used were from fishmeal, shrimp meal, clam meal, soy flour, and wheat flour. An equal mixture of crude sardine oil and groundnut oil was used as the source of lipids. Comparison of the whole gourami amino acid profiles before and after the dietary treatments indicated a relative decline in all amino acids except methionine and lysine. Fatty acid profiles of whole individuals after dietary treatment showed a substantial increase in monounsaturated fatty acids relative to the initial fatty acid profiles. No significant differences were observed in fish growth between dietary treatments (p > .05). Feeds containing 30% protein and 6% lipid were found to be adequate for normal growth, while feeds with 40% protein and 6% lipid were seen to help accelerate growth and reproduction. In this study, protein and lipid levels required for regular maintenance, sexual maturation, and spawning of aquarium‐reared gourami were established.     

Chemical composition of Lippia spp. essential oil and antimicrobial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila

Phytotherapy can replace antibiotic administration as an alternative to control Aeromonas hydrophila, one of the main bacteria involved in the aetiology of farmed fish diseases. Given that plants of the Lippia spp. genus show biological potential for antimicrobial activity, this study evaluated the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Lippia alba, Lippia origanoides and Lippia sidoides and their activity against A. hydrophila. The oils were obtained by steam distillation in a Clevenger‐type apparatus and their composition determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (CG/MS). Antibacterial activity was assessed by calculating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using broth microdilution method. The main compounds identified were geranial (25.4%) and neral (16.6%) in L. alba oil, carvacrol (40.4%) and p‐cymene (11.4%) in L. origanoides oil and thymol (76.6%) and ortho‐cymene (6.3%) in L. sidoides oil. The three Lippia species showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against A. hydrophila, with MICs and MBCs ranging from 1250 to 5000 μg mL^?1. Of the species tested, the best performance was obtained with essential oil of L. sidoides.     

Experimental challenge studies in Vietnamese catfish,Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage), exposed to Edwardsiella ictaluri and Aeromonas hydrophila

The two main diseases in the pangasius catfish industry are bacillary necrosis of Pangasianodon (BNP) and motile aeromonas septicaemia (MAS), where the aetiological agents have been identified as Edwardsiella ictaluri and Aeromonas hydrophila, respectively. In this study, apparently healthy Pangasianodon hypophthalmus were exposed to E. ictaluri, A. hydrophila or both bacterial species by intraperitoneal injection or immersion. There were 20 fish per treatment group, and the bacterial isolates used for the study were recovered from natural infections of BNP or MAS in farmed Vietnamese P. hypophthalmus. The results of the experimental infections mimicked the natural disease outbreaks reported from these pathogens in P. hypophthalmus. Furthermore, it was clearly demonstrated that E. ictaluri was only recovered from the fish exposed to the bacterium and not recovered from the animals receiving A. hydrophila.     

嗜水气单胞菌灭活疫苗免疫施氏鲟后的免疫应答反应与保护效果

为了研究嗜水气单胞菌灭活疫苗免疫施氏鲟(Acipenser schrenckii Brandt,1869)后的免疫应答反应与保护效果,本研究采用福尔马林灭活法制备嗜水气单胞菌灭活疫苗。通过腹腔注射途径免疫健康施氏鲟,对施氏鲟外周血的红细胞和白细胞数量、白细胞组成、吞噬活性、吞噬指数、血清酸性磷酸酶活性、血清溶菌酶活性、血清中和抗体效价等免疫指标及疫苗保护效果进行测定。结果显示,免疫组红、白细胞数量迅速上升,于免疫后第4天达峰值,分别为(8.50±0.17)×10~8个/mL和(8.96±0.44)×10~6个/mL;单核细胞和嗜中性粒细胞分类百分比于第7天达峰值,分别为10.50%和15.53%,极显著高于对照组(P0.01),淋巴细胞分类百分比在第21天才达峰值73.51%;吞噬指数和吞噬百分比均于第4天达到最高值,分别为4.53和30%;血清中溶菌酶活性和酸性磷酸酶活性分别在免疫后第7天和第14天达到峰值,极显著高于对照组(P0.01);血清抗体效价于免疫后第21天达到峰值1:203,极显著高于对照组(P0.01)。攻毒感染实验结果表明,免疫组的相对免疫保护率为76.84%。由此可见,嗜水气单胞菌灭活疫苗免疫施氏鲟后,能够显著诱导施氏鲟体内的免疫应答反应,增强鱼体的免疫保护能力。本研究为养殖鲟因嗜水气单胞菌感染引起疾病的免疫预防技术研究奠定了前期基础。     

A new potential therapeutic remedy against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using tetra,Cotinus coggygria

Different antibiotic‐based drugs are being used for the treatment of Aeromonas hydrophila infection in rainbow trout, and several studies emphasize the use of medicinal plants as immunostimulants for prophylactic measure against Aeromoniasis disease. However, therapeutic effects of aqueous methanolic extracts of tetra (Cotinus coggygria) against A. hydrophila in rainbow trout were not investigated. Four different concentrations of tetra extract (0 [control], 4, 8 and 12 mg/100 µl) and also two different positive control groups (florfenicol and doxycycline antibiotics) were administered orally using feeding needles to individual rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss of all experimental groups twice a day after intramuscular inoculation of A. hydrophila. The study period was for 10 days. On 0th, 3rd, 7th and 10th day, blood and tissues were collected from the fish and changes in humoral immune responses, haematology and immune‐related gene expressions were determined. In the study, superoxide radical production was decreased generally in all experimental groups except in 12 mg tetra and florfenicol treatments compared to control (p < .05). Lysozyme activity was generally decreased (p < .05), or no differences were observed in all experimental groups compared to the control. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased in florfenicol‐treated fish group on 7th day (p < .05). Generally, myeloperoxidase activity showed an increase in almost all tetra‐treated groups. Haematological parameters increased but were not significantly high enough in treatments. Almost all immune‐related gene expressions were significantly enhanced on 3rd and 10th day of the study. Survival rate of 53.33% was found in control group. There were no significant differences in survival between control and 4 mg tetra‐treated group (p > .05). All the other groups' survival rate was significantly increased compared to control. The highest survival rate was found in florfenicol group (80%). In 12 mg tetra‐, doxycycline‐ and 8 mg tetra‐treated groups, survival rate was recorded as 74.44%, 70% and 70%, respectively. Our results suggest that tetra methanolic extract is an effective therapeutic remedy against A. hydrophila infection in rainbow trout at the dose of 24 mg/32.34 g body weight/day.     

嗜水气单胞菌与温和气单胞菌的LAMP检测方法的建立

利用环介导等温扩增技术（loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP）分别建立嗜水气单胞菌（Aeromonas hydrophila,AH）与温和气单胞菌（A.sobria,AS）的快速检测方法。针对嗜水气单胞菌pilin基因、温和气单胞菌zipA基因设计特异性LAMP引物。在恒温条件下利用实时浊度仪对2组引物进行特异性和灵敏度试验,并以琼脂糖凝胶电泳和核酸染料颜色变化对扩增结果进行判定。结果显示,LAMP实时浊度法能够特异地检测嗜水气单胞菌和温和气单胞菌,最低检出限分别为46 fg·mL^-1和320 fg·mL^-1,是普通PCR方法的104倍和102倍;并能应用于已知临床样品检测。该研究建立的嗜水气单胞菌与温和气单胞菌LAMP快速检测方法具有高效、特异、灵敏的特点。     

Extracts of Oliviera decumbens and Satureja khuzestanica as immunostimulants affect some innate immunity indices of Cyprinus carpio against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

In this study, the effect of extracts of two herbs (Oliviera decumbens and Satureja khuzestanica) on immune response of carp was investigated. At the beginning of experiment, fish were divided to two groups including vaccinated (using vaccine developed against A. hydrophila) and non‐vaccinated. Fish in both groups were fed diets containing O. decumbens and S. khuzestanica and combination of two herbal extracts for 5 weeks. Control fish (negative control) and fish vaccinated only (positive control) were fed basal diets without supplements of herbal extracts. Lysozyme activity, antibody titre, complement activity and bactericidal activity in serum were measured. After 5 weeks feeding, fish were infected with A. hydrophila and mortalities were recorded. In both experimental groups, no significant differences were found in terms of alternative haemolytic complement (ACH50) activity and antibody titres of Serum. In non‐vaccinated fish group, lysozyme and bactericidal activity of fish fed S. khuzestanica or combination of O. decumbens and S. khuzestanica was higher compared with control and other experimental treatments. In vaccinated fish group, the lysozyme and bactericidal activity was not significant in all treatments compared with control group. The results of this study showed that feeding non‐vaccinated and vaccinated carp with only S. khuzestanica or in combination with O. decumbens enhance only some immunity indices including lysozyme and bactericidal activity in non‐vaccinated fish and these extracts have no immunological stimulatory role on vaccinated individuals.     

An experimental vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila can induce protection in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

A candidate vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, was developed using a bacterial lysate. To test the strength of protection, A. hydrophila challenge models were compared using injection into both the intraperitoneal (IP) cavity and the dorsal sinus (DS) with selected doses of live bacteria washed in saline or left untreated. Unlike the IP route, injection into the DS with either saline washed or unwashed cells resulted in consistent cumulative mortality and a dose response that could be used to establish a standard challenge having an LD₅₀ of approximately 3 × 10⁷ colony forming units per fish. Survivors of the challenge suffered significantly lower mortality upon re‐challenge than naïve fish, suggesting a high level of acquired resistance was elicited by infection. Passive immunization using serum from hyper‐immunized fish also resulted in significantly reduced mortality indicating protection can be transferred and that some portion of resistance may be antibody mediated. Vaccination of groups of rainbow trout with A. hydrophila lysate resulted in significant protection against a high challenge dose but only when injected along with Freund’s complete adjuvant. At a low challenge dose, mortality in all groups was low, but the bacterial lysate alone appeared to offer some protection.