Isolation of salmonid alphavirus subtype 6 from wild-caught ballan wrasse, Labrus bergylta (Ascanius).

The use of cleaner fish as a biological control for sea lice in Atlantic salmon aquaculture has increased in recent years. Wild-caught wrasse are commonly used as cleaner fish in Europe. In Ireland, samples of wrasse from each fishing area are screened for potential pathogens prior to their deployment into sea cages.

Isolation of Streptococcus agalactiae and an aquatic birnavirus from doctor fish Garra rufa L.

Background: The doctor fish, Garra rufa, has become increasingly popular as a treatment for skin disorders and for pedicures in recent years. Despite this there is very little information available regarding the welfare of these fish and the range of potential pathogens they may carry. In this study, a group of fish suffering from post-transport mortalities were examined and the isolated pathogens identified.