Recommendations for control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish research facilities

Abstract

Concerns about infectious diseases in fish used for research have risen along with the dramatic increase in the use of fish as models in biomedical research. In addition to acute diseases causing severe morbidity and mortality, underlying chronic conditions that cause low-grade or subclinical infections may confound research results. Here we present recommendations and strategies to avoid or minimize the impacts of infectious agents in fishes maintained in the research setting. There are distinct differences in strategies for control of pathogens in fish used for research compared to fishes reared as pets or in aquaculture. Also, much can be learned from strategies and protocols for control of diseases in rodents used in research, but there are differences. This is due, in part, the unique aquatic environment that is modified by the source and quality of the water provided and the design of facilities. The process of control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish research facilities is relatively new, and will be an evolving process over time. Nevertheless, the goal of documenting, detecting, and excluding pathogens in fish is just as important as in mammalian research models.

Recommendations for Health Monitoring and Reporting for Zebrafish Research Facilities

“…8,9,11 There are many factors to consider when designing a health monitoring program: size and diversity of the research program, frequency of importation, type of housing (facility design) and husbandry, use of live versus commercial feed, agents to be monitored, testing methodologies to be used, frequency of monitoring, and financial costs. Well-designed health monitoring programs will track the health of a zebrafish colony over time, as well as assist in the identification of biosecurity and husbandry issues as they arise.…”

“…When performing routine screening, the minimum number of animals sampled to detect a pathogen with 95% confidence depends on the expected prevalence of a pathogen in the colony, 8 but in practice the number of zebrafish sampled is usually limited by financial constraints, as in rodents. For pathogens of low prevalence, the number of fish that would be required to detect infection is often impractical.…”

“…8,9 The obstacles associated with implementing health monitoring programs for zebrafish colonies have been previously examined. 8,9 These include: limited knowledge regarding transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious agents of zebrafish, lack of awareness of the impact of infectious diseases on animal health and research results, paucity of personnel, and cost.…”

“…8,9 These include: limited knowledge regarding transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious agents of zebrafish, lack of awareness of the impact of infectious diseases on animal health and research results, paucity of personnel, and cost. 8,9 Determining the health status of imported animals remains a challenge: reporting of zebrafish colony health information is sporadic, with no consensus on which agents should be monitored or testing frequency.…”

Universal Healthcare for Zebrafish

“…The present general lack of consistency and the few community-wide standards available for zebrafish husbandry and health could potentially have adverse effects on research outcomes, some of which may be difficult to discern because the necessary information is currently not even available. [2][3][4] To this end, we are excited to present this special issue of Zebrafish devoted to husbandry and health. It is both a celebration of the extraordinary growth of the model and an initiation of a discussion on ways to capitalize on what has been learned about zebrafish husbandry and health so that zebrafish can continue to be an outstanding model, whether one has a single small tank or a gigantic facility.…”