RT Journal Article
T1 Fish and Bivalve Therapeutants in Freshwater Mussel Captive Breeding—A First Summary of Practical Experiences in European Facilities
T2 Terapéuticos en peces y bivalvos utilizados en la cría en cautividad de unionidos
A1 Denic, Marco
A1 Nakamura, Keiko
A1 Varela Dopico, Catarina
A1 Strachan, Ben
A1 Daill, Daniel
A1 Gaehrken, Jakob
A1 Taylor, John
A1 Grunicke, Felix
K1 Pathogen
K1 Host fish
K1 Freshwater mussel
K1 Excystment
K1 Fish health
K1 Juvenile mussel
K1 Parasitic phase
K1 Responsive disease treatment
AB A significant part of freshwater mussel populations has strongly declined and many species are severely threatened nowadays. Captive breeding programs often form a central part of conservation strategies. As the life cycles of many mussel species include an obligate parasitic phase, host fish health is a crucial component of successful mussel breeding efforts. However, information about the safe application of fish therapeutants in mussel captive breeding is scarce. This article summarizes information about practical experiences in Europe. In total, eight different therapeutants were used to treat infestations of eight pathogens. Treatment success varied depending on pathogen and prevalence when treatments were initiated. Mussels did not seem to be affected by treatments, especially as long as they remained encysted. In a second step, Virkon S was applied to treat a fungal infection in tanks with brown trout (Salmo trutta) carrying encysted freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) glochidia and to disinfect juvenile mussel rearing containers. In both cases, mussels were not harmed and treated fish fully recovered. Results indicate that certain therapeutants can be used safely and successfully at different stages of breeding cycles. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of standard protocols, which would improve efficiency and the safety of treatments.
PB MDPI
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/37537
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/37537
LA eng
NO Denic, M.; Nakamura, K.; Varela-Dopico, C.; Strachan, B.; Daill, D.; Gaehrken, J.; Taylor, J.; Grunicke, F. Fish and Bivalve Therapeutants in Freshwater Mussel Captive Breeding—A First Summary of Practical Experiences in European Facilities. Diversity 2024, 16, 78
NO This research was carried out within the project “MARA-Margaritifera Restoration Alliance”. The project “MARA” is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with resources from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and the Bavarian Naturschutzfonds, grant number 3520685A-G45.
DS Minerva
RD 27 abr 2026