Distribution, etiology, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of lernaeosis in cyprinid fish

Abstract

This article describes the prevalence, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of lerneosis in cyprinid fish. Lerneosis is a widespread parasitic disease of freshwater fish caused by parasitic crustaceans of the genus Lernaea. The parasite attaches to the skin, muscles, and gills of fish, causing mechanical tissue damage, inflammatory processes, and the development of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. As a result, fish growth is reduced, feeding activity decreases, immunity is weakened, and significant economic losses may occur in aquaculture farms. During the study, a comprehensive treatment approach was applied to cyprinid fish infected with lerneosis. For therapeutic purposes, special feed supplemented with Emikon and Antibak-100 preparations was used. These preparations contributed to improving the general physiological condition of the fish, eliminating secondary bacterial infections, and accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues. Following treatment, no Lernaea parasites were detected on the fish body, and signs of redness, wounds, or secondary infection were absent. An increase in feeding activity and mobility of the fish was also observed. Prevention of lerneosis requires improvement of the sanitary and hygienic condition of water bodies, strengthening of hydrobiological monitoring, quarantine of newly introduced fish, regular parasitological monitoring, and implementation of preventive veterinary measures. The results obtained provide a scientific and practical basis for effective control of lerneosis and improvement of fish productivity in aquaculture farms.