June 23, 2005

Parasite from Asian fish may threaten European fish farming 

Scientists report that the Asian gudgeon, introduced to Europe from Asia 45 years ago, hosts a fungal-like parasite that stops the endangered European sunbleak from spawning, leading to possible extinction. It could also infect the internal organs of fish, causing organ failure, severe anaemia and death in susceptible species.

Researchers believe the parasite is closely related to the rosette agent parasite in the US, which attacks many species of salmonid, including chinook salmon and Atlantic salmon. The brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout are also at risk, according to scientists.

While researchers still do not know whether the parasite would affect other fish species, they fear that European aquaculture, including trout farms, may be threatened by it.