Ca. Branchiomonas cysticola,Ca. Piscichlamydia salmonis and Salmon Gill Pox Virus transmit horizontally in Atlantic salmon held in fresh water

Elucidation of the role of infectious agents putatively involved in gill disease is commonly hampered by the lack of culture systems for these organisms. In this study, a farmed population of Atlantic salmon pre‐smolts, displaying proliferative gill disease with associated Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola, Ca. Piscichlamydia salmonis and Atlantic salmon gill pox virus (SGPV) infections, was identified. A subpopulation of the diseased fish was used as a source of waterborne infection towards a population of naïve Atlantic salmon pre‐smolts. Ca. B. cysticola infection became established in exposed naïve fish at high prevalence within the first month of exposure and the bacterial load increased over the study period. Ca. P. salmonis and SGPV infections were identified only at low prevalence in exposed fish during the trial. Although clinically healthy, at termination of the trial the exposed, naïve fish displayed histologically visible pathological changes typified by epithelial hyperplasia and subepithelial inflammation with associated bacterial inclusions, confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization to contain Ca. B. cysticola. The results strongly suggest that Ca. B. cysticola infections transmit directly from fish to fish and that the bacterium is directly associated with the pathological changes observed in the exposed, previously naïve fish.     

Vibrogen‐2 vaccine trial in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) against Vibrio anguillarum

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), a native fish of the North Atlantic Ocean, is utilized as cleaner fish to biocontrol sea lice infestations in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. However, bacterial infections are affecting cleaner fish performance. Vibrio anguillarum, the aetiological agent of vibriosis, is one of the most frequent bacterial infections in lumpfish, and effective vaccine programmes against this pathogen have been identified as a high priority for lumpfish. Vibrogen‐2 is a commercial polyvalent bath vaccine that contains formalin‐inactivated cultures of V. anguillarum serotypes O1 and O2, and Vibrio ordalii. In this study, we evaluated Vibrogen‐2 efficacy in lumpfish against a local isolated V. anguillarum strain. Two groups of 125 lumpfish were bath‐immunized, bath‐boost‐immunized at four weeks post‐primary immunization, and intraperitoneally (i.p.) boost‐immunized at eight weeks post‐primary immunization. The control groups were i.p. mock‐immunized with PBS. Twenty‐seven weeks post‐primary immunization, the fish were i.p. challenged with 10 or 100 times the V. anguillarum J360 LD₅₀ dose. After the challenge, survival was monitored daily, and samples of tissues were collected at ten days post‐challenge. Commercial vaccine Vibrogen‐2 reduced V. anguillarum tissue colonization and delayed mortality but did not confer immune protection to C. lumpus against the V. anguillarum i.p. challenge.     

Susceptibility of a number of Australian freshwater fishes to dwarf gourami iridovirus (Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus)

Megalocytiviruses cause high mortality diseases that have seriously impacted aquaculture, with the most frequent outbreaks occurring in East and South‐East Asia. The international trade of juvenile fish for food and ornamental aquaculture has aided the spread of these viruses, which have spread to Europe and Australia and other regions. Australian freshwater fishes were examined for susceptibility to infection with the exotic megalocytivirus, dwarf gourami iridovirus (DGIV), which belongs to a group with the type species, Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). Fish were held at 23 ± 1 °C and challenged by intraperitoneal (IP) injection or by cohabitation with Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii (Mitchell) infected with DGIV. A species was deemed to be susceptible to DGIV based on evidence of viral replication, as determined by qPCR, and megalocytic inclusion bodies observed histologically. Horizontal transmission occurred between infected Murray cod and golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson), Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica (Cuvier) and Murray cod. This indicated that DGIV shed from infected fish held at 23 °C can survive in fresh water and subsequently infect these naïve fish. Further, DGIV administered IP was highly pathogenic to golden perch, Macquarie perch and Murray cod. Compared to these species, the susceptibility of southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis (Gunther) was lower. Freshwater catfish (dewfish), Tandanus tandanus (Mitchell), were not susceptible under the experimental conditions based on the absence of clinical disease, mortality and virus replication. This study showed the potential risks associated with naïve and DGIV‐infected fish sharing a common water source.     

Pre‐challenge and post‐challenge haemato‐immunological changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed argan oil against Lactococcus garvieae

The present study investigated the effects of argan oil, obtained from Argania spinosa, on pre‐ and post‐challenge immuno‐haematological and biochemical responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. For this purpose, the fish were fed diets containing 0, 0.5%, 1% or 2% argan oil for 45 days. Following 45 days of feeding, fish were challenged with Lactococcus garvieae and mortality was recorded for 15 days. During the pre‐challenge period, significantly higher respiratory burst activity, total white blood cell (WBC), serum lysozyme activity and myeloperoxidase activity were determined in the argan oil‐fed groups. The serum glucose and cholesterol levels decreased whilst total protein and albumin did not change in the groups fed with argan oil‐supplemented diets. After challenge with Lactococcus garvieae, the percentage survival (%) was found to be the highest in the 1% and 2% argan oil‐supplemented feeding groups. Also, there was a significant increase in weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio in those fish fed argan oil. The results of this study indicated that after the supplementation of fish diets with argan oil, especially at 1% and 2% concentrations, the immunological, haematological and biochemical values remained similar in both the pre‐ and post‐challenge periods and the immune response against L. garvieae in Nile tilapia was modulated.     

Failure of predator conditioning: an experimental study of predator avoidance in brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Many studies have documented that hatchery‐reared salmonids generally have inferior survival after being stocked compared with wild conspecifics, hatchery and wild salmonids have been observed to differ in their antipredator responses. The response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) juveniles (0+) of differing backgrounds to a live predator was compared in two experiments. First, the antipredator behaviour of predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared brown trout and wild‐exposed brown trout were assessed in behavioural trials which lasted for eight days. Second, predator‐naïve and predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout were assessed in identical behavioural trials. Brown trout were ‘predator‐conditioned’ by being held in a stream‐water aquarium with adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and adult brown trout for two days prior to behavioural trials. Predator‐conditioned hatchery‐reared brown trout spent more time in shelters in the trial aquaria than predator‐naïve hatchery‐reared fish, but did not differ in time spent in the predator‐free area. Predator conditioning may account for the increased time spent in the shelter, but does not appear to have affected time spent in the predator‐free area. However, even if significant alteration in behaviour can be noted in the laboratory, the response might not be appropriate in the wild.     

Water quality influences the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in cage cultured red hybrid tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis mossambicus

Attempts were made to identify the association between water quality parameters and the presence of Streptococcus agalactiae in cage cultured red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus. Fish from commercial floating net cage‐culture systems in a river and lake were randomly sampled over a 24‐month period. Swabs from the brains, eyes and kidneys were streaked directly onto blood agar to isolate S. agalactiae. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, clarity, ammonia, nitrite, sulfide, rate of water flow and depth of water at sampling sites were measured at the same time of fish sampling. The prevalence of fish that were cultured positive to S. agalactiae was significantly higher in lake compared with river. The length and weight of the infected fish were between 9 and 33 cm, and between 20 and 760 g respectively. There was a significant and positive strong correlation between the presence of S. agalactiae and fish mortalities in lake. All water quality parameters showed significant differences between river and lake. However, only water temperature, clarity and pH of lake and the ammonia, temperature and dissolved oxygen in river showed significant correlation with the presence of S. agalactiae in the cultured fish. It was concluded that several unfavourable water quality in the fish farm influencing the presence of S. agalactiae in cultured red hybrid tilapia.     

Effects of dietary inclusion of yacon,ginger and blueberry on growth,body composition and challenge test of juvenile rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) against Edwardsiella tarda

Effects of dietary inclusion of yacon, Polymnia sonchifolia (YC), ginger, Zingiber officinale (GG), and blueberry, Vaccinium ashei (BB), on growth, body composition and challenge test of rockfish against Edwardsiella tarda compared to ethoxyquin were investigated. Three hundred and sixty fish were randomly distributed into 12 flow‐through tanks. Four experimental diets were prepared: the control diet (Con) with 0.1 g/kg ethoxyquin, and YC, GG and BB diets. Each diet was assigned to triplicate tanks of fish and hand‐fed for 8 weeks. Externally normal fish after fourth and eighth weeks of feeding trial were infected with Edwardsiella tarda for challenge test. Weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed the YC diet were greater than those of fish fed all other diets. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention of fish fed the YC diet were higher than those of fish fed all other diets. In the both fourth and eighth weeks of infection trials, mortality of fish fed the Con diet was higher than that of fish fed all other diets. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of YC, GG and BB increased weight gain and SGR of fish. YC, GG and BB for 4 and 8 weeks lowered mortality of fish at occurrence of E. tarda.     

Effect of guava Psidium guajava (L.) aqueous extract diet on growth performance,intestinal morphology,immune response and survival of Oreochromis niloticus challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

An 84‐day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of aqueous Psidium guajava leaf extract (PGE) on growth, intestinal morphology, physiology, immune response and susceptibility of Oreochromis niloticus to Aeromonas hydrophila. Diets containing 0% (P0), 0.25% (P1), 0.50% (P2), 0.75% (P3) and 1.00% (P4) PGE were fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean weight; 1.32 ± 0.04 g) for 84 days. After the 84‐day feeding trial, test fish were injected with pathogenic A. hydrophila and then fed for 14 days. More feed were consumed in groups of fish fed PGE‐treated diets and resulted in significantly higher weight gain and feed intake. Incidentally, there was an increase in the calculated area of absorption of fish fed PGE diets, as accounted for by marginally higher villi length and width. Antioxidant and immune response were improved with PGE inclusion in diets as total protein, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase significantly increased (p < 0.05) in fish fed PGE diets. Results of the challenge test with A. hydrophila revealed that the highest mortality (100%) was recorded in P0. This study revealed that inclusion of P. guajava extract in the diet of O. niloticus improved growth, nutrient utilization, immune system and survival of O. niloticus fingerlings.     

Effect of using Spirulina and Chlorella as feed additives for elevating immunity status of Nile tilapia experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

The present trial was performed to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of dried Spirulina, Chlorella and their mixture on the immune status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) before and after artificial infection with pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). Two hundred and forty fish were divided into four groups: (a) a control group fed on a basal diet only, (b) a second group fed on a diet containing Spirulina 15%, (c) a third group fed on a diet containing Chlorella 15%, and (d) a fourth group fed on a diet containing a mixture of both Spirulina 15% and Chlorella 15%. At the end of the experiment (9 weeks), the four groups were experimentally infected with A. hydrophila for 7 days. Antioxidant enzymes, lysozyme and bactericidal activities and histopathological changes were determined just before the challenge test and 7 days post‐challenge. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in fish body protein% before the challenge test and increases in serum antioxidant enzymes, lysozyme and bactericidal activity in the Chlorella and algal mixture groups before and after the challenge test were observed. Spirulina, Chlorella and their mixture groups significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde compared to the control group before and after the challenge test. Using Spirulina, Chlorella and their mixture mitigated the necrotic and degenerative changes induced by A. hydrophila and revealed well‐developed and multiple melanomacrophage centres. Thus, dietary Spirulina, Chlorella and their mixture inclusion in Nile tilapia fish proved to have a protective effect against A. hydrophila infection.     

Development of a quantitative PCR assay for monitoring Streptococcus agalactiae colonization and tissue tropism in experimentally infected tilapia

Streptococcus agalactiae has become one of the most important emerging pathogens in the aquaculture industry and has resulted in large economic losses for tilapia farms in China. In this study, three pairs of specific primers were designed and tested for their specificities and sensitivities in quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs) after optimization of the annealing temperature. The primer pair IGS‐s/IGS‐a, which targets the 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, was finally chosen, having a detection limit of 8.6 copies of S. agalactiae DNA in a 20 μL reaction mixture. Bacterial tissue tropism was demonstrated by qPCR in Oreochromis niloticus 5 days post‐injection with a virulent S. agalactiae strain. Bacterial loads were detected at the highest level in brain, followed by moderately high levels in kidney, heart, spleen, intestines, and eye. Significantly lower bacterial loads were observed in muscle, gill and liver. In addition, significantly lower bacterial loads were observed in the brain of convalescent O. niloticus 14 days post‐injection with several different S. agalactiae strains. The qPCR for the detection of S. agalactiae developed in this study provides a quantitative tool for investigating bacterial tissue tropism in infected fish, as well as for monitoring bacterial colonization in convalescent fish.     

Pansteatitis in polluted Olifants River impoundments: nutritional perspectives on fish in a eutrophic lake,Lake Loskop,South Africa

This study compares the aetiology of pansteatitis in Lake Loskop, relative to two other impoundments along the Olifants River. Macroscopic and microscopic pathology, age determination and analysis of stomach content, fatty acids and stable isotopes explain the high prevalence of pansteatitis in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) and several other species in Lake Loskop. All the dietary indicator comparisons between pansteatitis‐affected and healthy fish fail to support a systemic cause. Pansteatitis in Lake Loskop was linked to size and weight of O. mossambicus, but not to ontogenic age. Fish in Lake Loskop showed abnormally high omega‐3 to omega‐6 fatty acid ratios normally only found in marine fish with no significant difference in degree of assimilation of these fatty acids between pansteatitis‐affected and healthy fish. This explains the vulnerability to, but not the occurrence of, pansteatitis. As a cause for the pansteatitis, these results point towards sporadic vitamin E‐depleting trigger events, known sporadic fish die‐off occurrences that provide surviving fish with a rich source of rancid fats on which to scavenge. The mechanism ties pansteatitis to eutrophication and trophic cascade effects, the intrinsic drivers of the disease and suggests an adaptive management strategy that might be applied by relevant conservation authorities.     

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.     

Outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) in Iceland caused by VHS virus genotype IV

A novel viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) of genotype IV was isolated from wild lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), brought to a land‐based farm in Iceland, to serve as broodfish. Two groups of lumpfish juveniles, kept in tanks in the same facility, got infected. The virus isolated was identified as VHSV by ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the glycoprotein (G) gene sequences, may indicate a novel subgroup of VHSV genotype IV. In controlled laboratory exposure studies with this new isolate, there was 3% survival in the I.P. injection challenged group while there was 90% survival in the immersion group. VHSV was not re‐isolated from fish challenged by immersion. In a cohabitation trial, lumpfish infected I.P. (shedders) were placed in tanks with naïve lumpfish as well as naïve Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). 10% of the lumpfish shedders and 43%–50% of the cohabiting lumpfish survived after 4 weeks. 80%–92% of the Atlantic salmon survived, but no viral RNA was detected by real‐time RT‐PCR nor VHSV was isolated from Atlantic salmon. This is the first isolation of a notifiable virus in Iceland and the first report of VHSV of genotype IV in European waters.     

Beneficial effects on growth,haematic indicators,immune status,antioxidant function and gut health in Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by dietary administration of a multi‐strain probiotic

The present study was conducted to administer a commercial multi‐strain probiotic (MP), Yilibao (Bacillus velezensis:Bacillus cereus:Lactobacillus casei = 2:2:1), in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. In terms of aerobic Bacillus spp. counts, we produced five diets containing 0, 0.34, 1.68, 3.36 and 6.72 g/kg of MP dry product (Control, T1, T2, T3, T4). Seven hundred and fifty tilapia juveniles (13.26 ± 0.01 g) distributed into 25 tanks in five replications were fed their diet for eight weeks. Results showed that fish fed T3 and T4 diets displayed significantly higher final body weight and weight gain (p < .05). Further, all MP‐treated fish exhibited remarkably decreased plasma lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides) (p < .05) and fish fed T3 and T4 diets displayed significantly higher plasma myeloperoxidase activity and complement C3 content (p < .05). Additionally, fish fed T3 and T4 diets exhibited significantly promoted total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione level and declined malondialdehyde content in the plasma and/or liver (p < .05). Moreover, significantly elevated chymotrypsin activity, villus height and intraepithelial lymphocytes counts were found in fish fed T3 and T4 diets (p < .05). As fish fed T3 and T4 diets surpassed the other treatments in growth, immune–antioxidative status and gut health, the recommended dose for tilapia is 3.36–6.72 g/kg.     

Development of attenuated erythromycin‐resistant Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture

Streptococcus agalactiae is an important pathogen in fish, causing great losses of intensive tilapia farming. To develop a potential live attenuated vaccine, a re‐attenuated S. agalactiae (named TFJ‐ery) was developed from a natural low‐virulence S. agalactiae strain TFJ0901 through selection of resistance to erythromycin. The biological characteristics, virulence, stability and the immunization protective efficacy to tilapia of TFJ‐ery were determined. The results indicated that TFJ‐ery grew at a slower rate than TFJ0901. The capsule thickness of TFJ‐ery was significantly less (p < 0.05) than TFJ0901. When Nile tilapia were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with TFJ‐ery, the mortality of fish was decreased than that injected with TFJ0901. The RPS of fish immunized with TFJ‐ery at a dose of 5.0 × 10⁷ CFU was 95.00%, 93.02% and 100.00% at 4, 8 and 16 weeks post‐vaccination, respectively. ELISA results showed that the vaccinated fish produced significantly higher (p < 0.05) antibody titres compared to those of control at 2 or 4 weeks post‐vaccination. Taken together, our results suggest that erythromycin could be used to attenuate S. agalactiae, and TFJ‐ery is a potent attenuated vaccine candidate to protect tilapia against S. agalactiae infections.     

Aeromonas salmonicida infects Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) erythrocytes

Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida (hereafter A. salmonicida) is the aetiological agent of furunculosis in marine and freshwater fish. Once A. salmonicida invade the fish host through skin, gut or gills, it spreads and colonizes the head kidney, liver, spleen and brain. A. salmonicida infects leucocytes and exhibits an extracellular phase in the blood of the host; however, it is unknown whether A. salmonicida have an intraerythrocytic phase. Here, we evaluate whether A. salmonicida infects Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) erythrocytes in vitro and in vivo. A. salmonicida did not kill primary S. salar erythrocytes, even in the presence of high bacterial loads, but A. salmonicida invaded the S. salar erythrocytes in the absence of evident haemolysis. Naïve Atlantic salmon smolts intraperitoneally infected with A. salmonicida showed bacteraemia 5 days post‐infection and the presence of intraerythrocytic A. salmonicida. Our results reveal a novel intraerythrocytic phase during A. salmonicida infection.     

Dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis LT3‐1 enhance the growth,immunity and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae infection in genetically improved farmed tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of Bacillus subtilis LT3‐1 in diets on growth, immune parameters, intestinal morphology and disease resistance in genetically improved farmed tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (46.91 ± 0.17 g) were fed with a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis LT3‐1 at 0 (B0), 3.8 × 10¹⁰ (B1), 7.6 × 10¹⁰ (B2), 1.14 × 10¹¹ (B3) and 1.52 × 10¹¹ (B4) CFU kg^?1 for 6 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain of fish in B1 group was significantly enhanced compared to that in B0 group (p < 0.05). The addition of B. subtilis significantly affected serum biochemical indices (total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase). Besides, the haematocrit, total counts of red and white blood cells, as well as the serum catalase and lysozyme activities, were increased, whereas the serum malondialdehyde, the serum immunoglobulin M and complement three contents were reduced. Parameters for intestinal morphology suggested a healthier intestine for the fish fed B. subtilis‐supplemented diets than fish fed the control diet. The survival rate after Streptococcus agalactiae challenge increased in tilapia fed with B. subtilis. The present study demonstrated B. subtilis can effectively improve growth, immunological status and resistance against S. agalactiae infection in tilapia farming.     

Effect of dietary supplementation with a synbiotic (Lacto Forte) on growth performance,haematological and histological profiles,the innate immune response and resistance to bacterial disease in Oreochromis niloticus

This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic Lacto Forte on growth performance, haemato‐immunological responses, plasma bactericidal capacity, histological profiles and resistance of Oreochromis niloticus to Pseudomonas fluorescens. The experimental fish were divided into three groups; two of them (T1 and T2) were given Lacto Forte incorporated diets at increasing level (0.7 and 1.5 g/kg, respectively) and an additive‐free basal diet served as the control (T0) for 30 and 45 days. At the end of the feeding trial, a challenge was performed using a virulent strain of P. fluorescens and mortalities were recorded over an additional 14‐days period. The results showed that Lacto Forte has a pronounced effect on haematological and growth performance parameters at 1.5 g/kg rather than 0.5 g/kg (p < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme, proteases, antiproteases and bactericidal capacity were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) in Lacto Forte‐treated groups, particularly after 45 days of supplementation. Long‐term supplementation with Lacto Forte (1.5 g/kg) induced degenerative changes in the liver, spleen and intestine. Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in survival rates were found in Lacto Forte‐treated groups compared to the control one 14 days post‐challenge. As a result, Lacto Forte fortifies tilapia immune response and can be used as a surrogate for antibiotics to control P. fluorescens.     

Can water disinfection prevent the transmission of infectious koi herpesvirus to naïve carp? – a case report

Hygienic measures such as disinfection are important tools for the maintenance of fish health in aquaculture. While little information is available on the disinfection of water intended for fish containment, Huwa‐San^®, a disinfectant used in food and water industries, was used for daily treatment at concentrations of approximately 60 ppm over a total period of 3 months (experiment 1) with a 3‐week treatment‐free interval after 2 months (experiment 2). During this period, koi herpesvirus (KHV) was added to the water of two aquaria, one used as a normal contact control, the other one receiving daily water disinfectant treatments that prevented KHV infection of carp. In the second experiment, Huwa‐San^® treatment was interrupted and KHV infection was prevalent. However, when naïve fish were introduced to the same aquarium after re‐application of disinfectant, KHV could not be detected in those naïve fish. Whilst KHV could not be detected in samples where disinfectant had been applied, it was present in samples of naïve fish cohabiting with infection contact control animals which had undergone no disinfectant treatment over experiments 1 and 2. The results presented here show that water treatment with a disinfectant may prevent transmission of infectious KHV to naïve carp cohabited with infected carp.