How to Submit Shellfish and Crustaceans for Disease Diagnosis

How to Send Samples

Quick action is usually required to diagnose and control fish diseases. Aquaculturists should telephone or fax the Fish Health Section as soon as disease problems arise. Certain cases can be solved by discussion alone. Should specimens be required for laboratory diagnosis, the methods of sampling and shipment will be advised.

SAMPLES REQUIRED FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
1. Three affected crayfish or molluscs in a foam esky, cooled with ice bricks and covered with moist foam.
2. A sample of the water the crayfish or mollusc was living in, in a clean glass container, filled to the top.
OR If live specimens are not available - send three affected crayfish or molluscs on ice or ice bricks - not frozen.
Putrid samples are of little or no use!!!

What is Disease?

Disease is a departure from the normal state of health of a fish or any other animal. Fish are subject to a wide spectrum of diseases that can be classified as infectious or non-infectious.

Infectious disease can be caused by parasitic protozoa, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Non-infectious disease can be caused by adverse water quality parameters and toxins.

It is very important when submitting samples for disease diagnosis that an accurate history is given, along with any water quality data or a water sample.