Diseases Summary

More information on Costia Disease

Main Ref:	193
Disease type:	Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)
Disease name:	Costia Disease
Other names:	Costiasis; Turbidity of the skin; Ichthyobodo necatrix
Caus. agent:	Costia necatrix
Group:

Part of body and/or behavior affected by disease:
Skins and/or fins	Belly	Swimming behavior
Gills	Anus	Other behavior
Eyes	Viscera Afflicted	Other symptoms

Fish affected:	Cyprinidae, Salmonidae
Symptoms:	High mucus production leads to coating of skin, ulcer, bristeling of scales, swaying and clamped fins, scraping.
Treatments:	Increase water inflow, NaCl 7 to 10 g/l water for 30 min to 12 hours, formalin bath 259 ml/l water for 15 min. Increase water inflow, NaCl 7 to 10 g/l water for 30 min to 12 hours, formalin. Another treatment is the use of FMC (1 liter of Formaldehyde (37%) (or 100 ml), 3.7 gm of Malachite Green oxalate (or 0.37 gm), 3.7 gm of Methylene Blue (or 0.37 gm)). With dosage of 1.0-1.2 ml/100 l tank water or 25 drops/100 l or 1 drop/gallon. This treatment should be administer with an anti-bacterial drugs such as Nifurpirinol (Dose: 10-15 mg/100 l for an unlimited time (or as instructed)), Tetracycline (Dose: 3-4 gm/100 l for 2-3 days, Water change after treatment, Mixed with food: 0.5 gm/100 gm fish food to be fed during 5 days), Nitrofurazone (Dose: 250-500 mg/100 l for 3 days At least 50% water change after treatment is recommended) etc. In cases of mass infection, a 50% water change after one day of treatment and add a half dose of FMC administered on the first day. Salt (1handful/5 gallon) could also be administered. Ref. 41805.
Prophylaxis:	Optimal water condition. Avoid overcrowding.
Remarks:	In rare cases the parasite can infect the intestine via the anus. Ref. 41805.
Mortality and seasonality
Mortality:	medium (10% - 30 %)
Seasonality: