Testing Alternative Surface Disinfection Agents for Zebrafish () Embryos.

Pathogen transmission into zebrafish colonies is controlled through vigilant biosecurity practices. One such practice is embryo surface disinfection, which often uses sodium hypochlorite. However, if sodium hypochlorite is used at an inappropriate pH, concentration, or exposure time, zebrafish embryos can experience significant mortality and morbidity.

Impact of Pronase, Sodium Thiosulfate, and Methylene Blue Combinations on Development and Survival of Sodium Hypochlorite Surface-Disinfected Zebrafish () Embryos.

Embryo surface disinfection is utilized in aquaculture to decrease the risk of pathogen introduction into established colonies. Zebrafish embryos are commonly disinfected with unbuffered sodium hypochlorite at 25-50 ppm for 10 min with or without concurrent treatment with chemicals, including pronase (Pron), sodium thiosulfate, and/or methylene blue; however, the impact of these chemicals on embryo survival and development has not been evaluated. In this study, AB and embryos were exposed to disinfection protocols that used Pron, sodium thiosulfate, and/or methylene blue (given alone, in various combinations, or all three combined) with 50 and 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite performed 6 and 24 h postfertilization (HPF).

Transmission of Pseudoloma neurophilia in Laboratory Zebrafish (Danio rerio) When Using Mass Spawning Chambers and Recommendations for Chamber Disinfection.

Pseudoloma neurophilia, a microsporidium that primarily infects neural tissues, is a common pathogen in laboratory zebrafish. The risk of parasite transmission with different spawning apparatuses and the effectiveness of disinfection are unknown. In this study, we spawned uninfected zebrafish with P.