Medycyna Wet. 65 (7), 450-454, 2009
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| Antychowicz J., Borzym E., Matras M. |
| Epizootic ulcerative syndrome EUS – exotic notifiable fish disease. |
| Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) is a dangerous fish infection with the water fungus Aphanomyces invadans. It occurs in Asia, Australia and America, in the Florida region, and affects many inland fish species. In accordance with Council Directive 2006/88/EC, EUS is one of the exotic notifiable diseases in Europe. In the paper an attempt was made to answer the question concerning the possibility of Aphanomyces invadans infection occurring in fish reared in Poland. In order to answer this question, the analysis of the fungus biology was performed, the factors predisposing to the infection were evaluated and the EUS-susceptible fish species were presented. If the theory of climate warming is true, a gradual extension of the area inhabited by the stenothermal Aphanomyces invadans seems possible. Even now thermal water conditions in ponds fed with electric plant cooling water in Europe approximate those in Asiatic natural water basins. Many popular Asiatic aquarium fish species are susceptible to Aphanomyces invadans or could be carriers of this fungus. These fishes are a potential source of infection at least to some European fishes. Considering even the slightest possibility of Aphanomyces invadans introduction in Poland followed by EUS occurrence, the authors proposed some necessary preventive measures. Among others, the importation of aquarium fish species which are susceptible to EUS should be prohibited. Also certain legislative regulations of carp (Cyprinus carpio) movement for stocking purposes should be applied. |
| Keywords: Aphanomyces invadans, epizootic ulcerative syndrome, fishes, susceptibility |