Mycobacteriosis in a Bull Trout from Hungry Horse Reservoir, Montana

Authors

  • M. M. Terrazas Wildlife & Parks, 4801 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405
  • L. R. Rosenthal Wildlife & Parks, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901
  • K. D. Staigiller Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 4801 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405
  • K. R. Snekvik Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • D. S. Bradway Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164

Keywords:

Mycobacteriosis, Mycobacterium, bull trout, fish

Abstract

An angler-caught bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) from Hungry Horse Reservoir, MT with noticeably poor condition was examined to reveal liver nodules. Further investigation discovered acid-fast bacteria present in these granulomas making this a unique finding requiring further diagnostics. Molecular diagnostics revealed the infectious agent to be Mycobacterium fortuitum. This is a range and species expansion for this pathogen in fish. Further examination of additional fish from this water body did not reveal cases similar to this one, allowing for the possibility of this being a lone occurrence.

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Published

2016-11-03

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1-4 December (2012)

Section

Biological Sciences - Aquatic Ecosystems [Articles]