Effects of Temperature on Ichthyophoniasis in Pacific Herring
Author Information
Author(s): Jake L. Gregg, Johanna J. Vollenweider, Courtney A. Grady, Ron A. Heintz, Paul K. Hershberger
Primary Institution: U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center
Hypothesis
How does environmental temperature affect the dynamics of Ichthyophoniasis in juvenile Pacific herring?
Conclusion
Temperature variation significantly influences mortality patterns related to Ichthyophonus infections in juvenile Pacific herring.
Supporting Evidence
- Temperature variation had little effect on disease outcome in established infections.
- Mortality in infected treatments reached 65% to 98% by the end of the experiment.
- An inverse relationship between infection prevalence and temperature was detected.
- High and low temperatures suppressed disease-related mortality in newly infected fish.
Takeaway
This study found that the temperature fish are exposed to can change how sick they get from a parasite, which is important for understanding fish health.
Methodology
Three experiments were conducted to assess the effects of temperature on mortality and disease progression in Ichthyophonus-infected Pacific herring under fasting conditions.
Limitations
The study did not explore the complete life cycle of Ichthyophonus or the exact route of infection in Pacific herring.
Participant Demographics
Juvenile Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) aged between 145 to 431 days.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<4.4 × 10−12
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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