Research Highlights - Fish Health

Aquaculture/Fisheries Center Research Highlights

Fish Health

In vitro assays for immune system function in channel catfish
Lazendra Hairston and Andy Goodwin

This project will assist the USDA-ARS laboratory in Stoneville, MS to select for improved disease resistance in catfish in their breeding programs to improve catfish. A study has been completed that identifies susceptible and resistant families in terms of immune function.
Molecular methods for the diagnosis of viral diseases in cyprinids
Andy Goodwin

There are major spring losses of baitfish and other cyprinids that may be due to viruses. Easy diagnosis will help us to develop ways to prevent outbreaks through proper husbandry.
Treatment of columnaris infections in warmwater fish
Andy Goodwin

Columnaris treatments and isolates will be tested in bioasays.
Detection of latent HV infection in koi
Andy Goodwin

This project will help the koi industry by helping to protect private koi collections.
Maximizing production efficiency of farm-raised catfish
Kelly Winningham and Andy Goodwin

The age structure of catfish populations in old ponds is being evaluated to see if there is an accumulation of poorly-growing fish.
Producing disease free shiner broodstock

A PCR assay for O. ovariae will be developed to determine if the parasite is vertically transmitted in or on shiner eggs. The assay will be used to screen shiner populations for O. ovariae infection. Shiners that are free of the parasite will be raised as broodstock.