BACTERIAL INFECTION

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are usually the most severe problem you will face. Failure to quarantine is one of the common causes of the disease to spread. Bacterial infections usually require deterioration of water quality or a parasite to weaken and kill the fish. The key to successful treatment of bacterial disease is early, accurate diagnosis and treatment. If treatment is delayed it can lead to substantial losses. Bacteria can gain entry into a fish body and is known as "Systemic infection". Other bacterial infections cause local surface disease such as fin rot. If this is not resolved fast it can lead to systemic infection. Bacterial infections may take the form of at least five different conditions. Mouth rot Body ulcers Fin Rot Sudden Death Redbelly Pinecone Scales. There are three ways a fish can become affected in general. Damage to tissues due to aberation, parasites or chemicals. Small cuts and aberations generally do not lead to bacterial infection if the water quality is good. The fish are in poor health and its normal defences are depressed as a result of stress or disease. This enables opportunistic bacteria to gain foot hold. Substantial increase of opportunistic bacteria due to infected fish or high levels of decomposing organic matter. Before any treatment is started it is important to establish the underlying cause. Any treatment will only temporarily knock out the bacteria and give the fish defence a chance to start a fight back. Any treatment should be seen as supportive treatment for fish's own immune system and conditions must be improved to keep the numbers of bacteria as low as possible. Four types of treatment possible are: Short term baths : For a few hours each day using anti-bacterial products such as Chloramine-T, Potassium Permanganate or anti-biotics. Recommended only for mild cases. Topical Treatments: This involves cleaning the lesion with antiseptic and applying a water proof covering such as vaseline. This is effective provided the infection is not systemic. Medicated food : These are specially prepared foods containing antibiotics. These can be effective if the fish are able to eat. You can prepare your own medicated food by top dressing ordinary food with an antibiotic. Antibiotics : Injections possible for large fish only. For smaller fish it may not be feasible. This can however give very high success rate.