“Soy protein concentrate replacement with methylococcus capsulatus can support a vaccination response in atlantic salmon (salmo salar) (7111)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract soy protein concentrate replacement with methylococcus capsulatus can support a vaccination response in atlantic salmon (salmo salar) introduction soy protein is known for producing an inflammatory status in the fish gut, which has a negative effect both in growth performance and in the welfare of the fish. this effect occurs both when the soy protein appears as whole soybean or as soy protein concentrate, which is why its partial replacement in fish diets should offer positive effects in the cited parameters. the present study was designed as a dose-response for atlantic salmon (salmo salar), where soy protein concentrate was replaced by uniprotein®. because single-cell protein has been addressed many times as a functional ingredient, not only growth performance, but also histology and the immunological status of the fish, were evaluated during the trial. materials and methods atlantic salmon (n=272) with an average initial weight of 128 g were reared in 200 l tanks (57 days). four experimental diets were formulated with increasing replacement levels of soy protein concentrate by uniprotein® (up0, up4, up8, up16; 4 replicates per treatment). the fish were randomly allocated to 16 experimental tanks. histological analyses of the intestine (pyloric caeca and distal portion) were performed. the growth trial was followed by the inoculation of a commercial vaccine against vibrio salmonicida, for diets up0 and up8. plasma samples were taken through the following weeks to assess the antibody titre status of the fish against the pathogen. results growth was similar among treatments. the up8 diet had a lower fcr compared to the control (0.87 and 1, respectively). in terms of histology, there were no significant differences in the status of fish fed the experimental treatments. after the vaccination trial, a significant increase in terms of antibody titre against v. salmonicida was measured for up8 diet during week 1 (+26 %). conclusions uniprotein® can successfully replace up to 16 % of soy protein concentrate in a commercial diet for atlantic salmon without hindering growth or gut health. a promising increase in the antibody titre against v. salmonicida was measured for up8. Authors Melenchón Ramírez, Federico, Unibio A/S, Presenter Jensen, Hannah Malene, Unibio A/S, Author Koppe, Wolfgang, Simplyfish AS, Author Wentzel Thorringer, Nana, Unibio A/S, Author
“Potential feed-related outbreak of mass mortality in salmon and sea-trout fry (7332)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Potential feed-related outbreak of mass mortality in salmon and sea-trout fry In 2023, outbreaks of disease with erratic swimming and lethargy followed by mortality occurred soon after start feeding in several Swedish restocking farms holding Baltic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta). Repeated submission of bacteriological (the usual cause of mortality in Swedish salmonid fry) samples, to the Swedish veterinary institute (SVA) did not produce an answer. SVA then conducted additional sampling including virology and histopathology. Virology was negative, whereas histopathology identified a non-infectious cause for the disease. In the liver, varying degrees of vacuoles with accumulation of ceroid-like fluid was identified. This ceroid was PAS-positive, but in contrast to what is described for Lipoid liver disease, ZN negative. The kidney nephrons were also affected to a varying degree and ventricles and intestines were sometimes dilated. This pathology could be seen in both salmon and sea trout. All affected farms used the same feed. Switching to another brand reversed disease, but time for recovery and the total losses varied, with a maximum loss of 90-95% of the fish. All farms housed salmon and sea trout of Baltic origin, but one also housed salmon of Atlantic origin. This salmon was not reported to be affected, but a feed swich had been performed prior to the massive outbreak. A follow-up in October revealed that these salmons had also been affected, livers presenting with large vacuoles, some with remnants of ceroid. This excluded a simple “Baltic Sea” aetiology/lack of maternal transfer of antioxidants. In 2024, an experimental trial was conducted, using two strains of Baltic salmon and one strain of “true” Atlantic salmon from two broodstock farms. Fish were either fed the suspected disease-causing feed from 2023 (F23), or another brand in two groups: control feed from 2023 (C23) and control feed from 2024 (C24). In addition, the potential contribution of thiamine deficiency was investigated, with a high thiamine (HT) and a low thiamine group (LT) generating in total six treatments LTF23, HTF23 etc. Each treatment was done in triplicates. Sampling was performed on five fish per tank each week during a 60-day trial period, with the first sampling day 0. Of the five fish, two were fixed for histopathology and three were stored at -80°C for other analyses. Content analyses of feed were performed. The last analyses are currently being performed, and results will be presented at the conference. Authors AXÉN, CHARLOTTE, SWEDISH VETERINARY AGENCY, Presenter Ek, Caroline, Swedish University of Agricultural sciences, Author
“Effect of replacement of soybean meal with silkworm pupae on growth performance and physiological responses of Pangasius pangasius (6959)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Effect of replacement of soybean meal with silkworm pupae on growth performance and physiological responses of Pangasius pangasius The rising cost of fish meal and soybean meal for aquafeeds has encouraged researchers to look for alternative protein sources. To find an alternative this study was designed to replace soybean meal with silkworm pupae meal. An experimental feeding trial of 75 days was conducted on Pangasiusfingerlings to assess the effects of partially substituted soybean meal with silkworm pupae meal (SWPM) on growth performance, antioxidant activity, and digestive enzymes. Four isonitrogenous diets were made with 0% SWPM as control and 25%, 50%, and 75% silkworm pupae meal as experimental diets. The fingerlings were given control and experimental diets at 3% of their body weight. The study found that the groups given SWPM at 25% and 50% concentration had the best growth performance, feed efficiency (up to 0.80 ± 0.00%), and feed conversion ratio (up to 1.24 ± 0.00%). Both groups showed increased highest final weight (up to 22.25 ± 0.76), weight gain % (up to 95.03 ± 0.35%), and improved survival growth rates (100%) as compared to control. The control and treated groups (25% and 50%) exhibited significant differences (p˂0.05) in terms of antioxidant activity and digestive enzymes. The histomorphometry examination revealed no damage in hepatic tissues, intestinal villi, and podocytes as a result of the inclusion of silkworm pupae meal. The data suggest that silkworm pupae meal may serve as an adequate replacement for soybean meal, up to 50%, without negatively impacting the growth responses, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities of Pangasius. Authors TARIQ, AYESHA, GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY LAHORE, Presenter
“Long-term monitoring reveals significant decrease in common dab (Limanda limanda) hepatic neoplasms (6910)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Long-term monitoring reveals significant decrease in common dab (Limanda limanda) hepatic neoplasms. The monitoring of hepatic neoplastic lesions using histopathology has been conducted in the UK under national monitoring activities since the 1980s. It contributes internationally to the OSPAR Convention Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP) and informs progress towards Good Environmental Status within the UK Marine Strategy. Hepatic neoplasms (carcinogenesis) in the common dab (Limanda limanda) flatfish are prevalent in the UK marine environment, although little is known about temporal changes in prevalence. We investigated the incidence of hepatic neoplasms using histopathology monitoring data obtained between 2004 and 2020 from five biogeographic UK marine regions including Northern North Sea, Southern North Sea, Irish Sea, Eastern Channel, and Western Channel and Celtic Sea. Our assessment considered age, a known confounding factor affecting hepatic neoplasm prevalence, allowing for an improved estimation of how hepatic neoplasm prevalence differs between regions and changing over time. The hepatic neoplasms observed during this long-term monitoring programme included hepatocellular adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangioma. We provide evidence that their occurrence in England and Wales (E&W) is decreasing significantly, although is higher in dab from the Irish Sea marine area compared to the broader North Sea, English Channel and Celtic Sea, indicating additional environmental pressures in these regions. This study investigated potential correlations between hepatic neoplasms and concentrations of hazardous substances in biota and sediment including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals. Concentrations of PCBs in biota were positively associated with hepatic neoplasm prevalence overall (p= 0.003), although was primarily influenced by the Irish Sea region containing a disproportionately higher number of fishing locations compared to other regions. Cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) concentrations in sediments had a statistically significant effect on neoplasm prevalence (p= 2.8.10-4, p= 1.3.10-3, p= 1.8.10-5 and p= 4.4.10-5, respectively), although this was believed to be corelation, not causation. No other clear and consistent correlations were observed, although our data show for the first time that incidences of hepatic neoplasms in a commonly used sentinel species used for investigating the impact of hazardous chemicals are declining significantly in the E&W marine environment. Authors BIGNELL, JOHN, CEFAS, Presenter BARBER, JON, CEFAS, Author ETHERTON, MARK, CEFAS, Author NELSON, PAUL, CEFAS, Author STENTIFORD, GRANT, CEFAS, Author TAYLOR, NICK, Office for National Statistics, Author Teixeira Alves, Mickael, CEFAS, Author
“Clash of sea titans: Swordfish vs. Blue Shark. Forensic evidence of a double stabbing event (7146)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Clash of sea titans: Swordfish vs. Blue Shark. Forensic evidence of a double stabbing event Attacks of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) on sharks and mainly in blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are becoming more frequently reported, mainly in the Mediterranean. In February 2025, an adult male blue shark stranded alive in a beach in the coast of Tarragona and died shortly after. During the external examination, the copepods Echthrogaleus coleoptratus and Kroyerina elongata were detected in the skin and in very high numbers in the narines, respectively. The left eye was hemorrhagic and had a perforation and collapse of the anterior chamber. Upon inspection of the gills, an elongated 2 cm perforation in the right side of the fish was found in the inner wall of the gill chamber, in the area close to the heart. The pericardial cavity displayed abundant serofibrinous exudate, and a tip of swordfish rostrum was found very close to the heart, with no evidence of penetrating cardiac trauma. A second tip of swordfish rostrum was found at the base of the skull, in this case clearly associated with the perforation of the left eye, although did not directly damage the brain. The liver displayed an hepatosomatic index around 3.49%. The gastrointestinal tract had scarce content with a single mature individual of the cestode order Trypanorhyncha. No microscopic lesions were found in the myocardium, with the pericardium displaying papillar epithelial projections. From the pericardial fluid, Morganella morganii and Enterococcus sp. were cultured. In the brain, fibrinohemorrhagic lymphocytic meningitis with few Gram-positive cocci was detected. Few lipidic droplets were observed within the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. The findings strongly suggest that the blue shark was attacked by two different swordfish, inducing relevant rostrum traumas and lesions in the brain and the heart. The lesions were considered severe but not immediately lethal and probably the weakened and moribund shark was still alive for few days before it was found stranded in the beach. The increasing number of cases of swordfish attacks on blue sharks mainly in the Mediterranean suggest a relevant change in their behaviour and biology. An alternative explanation is that these events were historically underreported due to the minimal external scarring resulting by swordfish rostrum penetration. Both species are known to share similar environments and partially overlapping diets. These overlaps could lead to competition, territorial behaviours, or predator-prey dynamics. Moreover, all confirmed cases involved immature swordfish, suggesting either ontogenetic behavioural development or age-specific defensive strategies. Authors PADRÓS, FRANCESC, Biologia Animal. Facultat de Veterinaria. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Presenter LOSCERTALES, SARA ISABEL, Servei de diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinaria. DSAA. UAB de Barcelona, Author MARTINO, LAURA, Servei de diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinaria. DSAA. UAB, Author CID, Marina, Servei de diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinaria. DSAA. UAB de Barcelona, Author ABARCA, Lourdes, Dep SAA. UAB., Author DOMINGO, Mariano, Servei de diagnòstic de Patologia Veterinaria. DSAA. UAB de Barcelona, Author DALLARES, Sara, Dep. BABVE. UAB, Author BARRIA, Claudio, Catsharks association and Dep. Functional Biology and Genetics. Univ. Oviedo, Author CONSTENLA, Maria, Biologia Animal. Facultat de Veterinaria. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Author
“Micro-invaders camouflaged within known invaders: The potential sanitary risk of Pseudorasbora parva as a carrier of the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus (7149)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Micro-invaders camouflaged within known invaders: The potential sanitary risk of Pseudorasbora parva as a carrier of the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus Introduction Pseudorasbora parva is a small freshwater cyprinid fish native to Asia and listed as invasive by the European Union. This fish is a known asymptomatic carrier of different pathogens that eventually may impact on native European fish species and be responsible for significant ecological and economic impacts in ecosystems. Methodology During 2024, different samplings were carried out in rivers of Catalonia (NE Spain), with the aim of identifying the potential of this species as a transmitter of diseases towards native species in the region. Fish were captured by electric fishing in different sampling points of the river network where populations of this exotic species were known and with the help of the staff of the Servei de Pesca Continental de la D.G. de Boscos i Gestió del Medi del Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca i Alimentació, and transported to the laboratory, where they were immediately anesthetized, sacrificed, weighted and measured, and preserved in ethanol for parasitology or in 10% buffered formalin for histopathology. Results Two different species of nematodes were identified in the intestines, with a prevalence of up to 60%. Nematodes in the juvenile stage (larva 3), very small (<1 mm) in size, were located in the intestinal lumen or in most cases attached to the mucosa. The average intensity of this nematode in some rivers was 13, finding up to 50 nematodes in a single individual of P. parva. Due to their morphological characteristics, these nematodes were compatible with nematodes of the Anguillicolidae family, specifically Anguillicoloides crassus. In histological sections nematodes were clearly observed, attached to the intestinal mucosa and even within it. Occasionally, the presence of these nematodes clearly affected the mucosal epithelium, with metaplasia of intestinal cells observed in areas around the nematodes. Larger macroscopic nematodes, most of them adults and mature were also found in the intestines, but with a much lower prevalence and mean intensity. Morphological characteristics allowed their identification as Pseudocapillaria, possibly P. tomentosa. Further molecular analyses are in progress to genetically confirm the identity of the parasites. Conclusions Anguillicoloides crassus is known to parasitize the swim bladder of adult eel populations, severely affecting their function and significantly compromising their spawning migration success, thus contributing to the drastic decline of the European eel in recent decades. The high numbers of this nematode in the invader fish species P. parva may pose a potential additional risk to native European eel populations. Authors CONSTENLA, MARIA, UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Presenter DALLARES, SARA, UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Author MUNS-PUJADAS, LAURA, UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONANA, Author HIGUERUELO, ANDREA, NIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Author ESTER, CARRERAS-COLOM, NIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Author ANNA, SOLER-MEMBRIVES, NIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Author FRANCESC, PADROS, NIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA, Author
“Morphological and molecular characterization of Schistocephalus spp. (Cestoda) parasitizing sculpins (Cottidae) in Siberian lakes (Russia) (7167)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Morphological and molecular characterization of Schistocephalus spp. (Cestoda) parasitizing sculpins (Cottidae) in Siberian lakes (Russia) Introduction. Cestodes of the genus Schistocephalus complete their life cycle through planktonic crustaceans, fish, and endothermic vertebrates (primarily birds). These parasites serve as important model organisms in host-parasite studies, with the Gasterosteus aculeatus – S. solidus plerocercoid system being particularly well-characterized. Two species, S. solidus and S. pungitii, demonstrate strict host specificity, exclusively infecting G. aculeatus and Pungitius pungitius respectively. S. cotti was originally described from the European bullhead (Cottus gobio) in Finland, but currently lacks sufficient molecular data and information about its host range and distribution. Plerocercoids identified as S. solidus and Ligula sp. have been reported from sculpins in Lake Baikal and Lake Teletskoye (Siberia). However, these identifications contradict known host specificity patterns of S. solidus and Ligula spp. Therefore, we re-evaluated the species identity of plerocercoids from sculpins in these lakes using both morphological and molecular approaches. Methodology. We examined six plerocercoids from endemic Baikal sculpins (Batrachocottus baicalensis, Leocottus kesslerii, and Procottus sp.) and one specimen from Cottus sibiricus in Lake Teletskoye. Morphological analysis followed diagnostic characters established by Dubinina (1966) and Chubb et al. (2006). We amplified and sequenced nuclear 28S rRNA (1,498 bp) and mitochondrial cox1 (1,631 bp) gene fragments. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed using maximum likelihood (IQ-TREE 2) and Bayesian inference (MrBayes v.3.2.1), incorporating relevant GenBank sequences. Results. The examined plerocercoids showed 139-179 proglottids. All specimens from Cottidae hosts displayed an incomplete velum on both ventral and dorsal sides in the first strobilar segment – characteristics fully consistent with S. cotti description. Both ML and BI analyses yielded concordant tree topologies, with our plerocercoid sequences forming a maximally supported clade. Notably, sequences from North American slimy sculpin (C. cognatus) formed a separate sister clade. Conclusions. Based on combined morphological and phylogenetic evidence, we identify these plerocercoids as S. cotti. Our study confirms this species’ parasitism in Siberian lake sculpins and reports four new host records, significantly expanding the known host range and geographical distribution of S. cotti. This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation no. 23-74-10101. Authors VLASENKO, PAVEL, ISEA SB RAS, Author KOLMOGOROVA, TATIANA, ISEA SB RAS, Author MARKEVICH, GREGORY, IPEE RAS, Author KOROSTELEV, NIKOLAI, IPEE RAS, Author KASHINSKAYA, ELENA, ISEA SB RAS, Author SOLOVYEV, MIKHAIL, ISEA SB RAS, Presenter
“Release of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae spores via fish urine and subsequent removal by filter-feeding freshwater sponges – insights from eDNA analyses (7240)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Release of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae spores via fish urine and subsequent removal by filter-feeding freshwater sponges – insights from eDNA analyses Introduction: Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (Tb), the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease in salmonids, poses a significant threat to wild and farmed fish populations. Understanding the dynamics of Tb spore release and potential natural mitigation strategies is crucial for predicting and managing disease outbreaks, minimizing fish mortality, and supporting sustainable aquaculture and conservation efforts. This study aimed to (1) characterize the short-term release of Tb spores from infected juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) and (2) evaluate the capacity of freshwater sponges (Ephydatia muelleri) to remove Tb spores from water and act as biosamplers. Methodology: Controlled experiment was carried out in small containers using four treatments: (i) infected 1+ trout only, (ii) infected 1+ trout followed by sponge introduction, (iii) sponge only, and (iv) river water control. In the trout & sponge treatment, fish were removed after 2 hours and replaced with live sponge colonies. Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from water were collected at five time points over six hours and Tb concentrations were quantified using qPCR. Similarly, Tb concentration was quantified from renal tissue samples and sponges at the end of the experiment. Results: Infected trout rapidly increased Tb eDNA concentrations in water, confirming spore release via urine. Introduction of sponges after fish removal led to a marked and statistically significant decline in Tb eDNA concentrations, indicating efficient removal by filter feeding. However, only weak Tb DNA signals were detected in sponge tissues, with quantifiable levels in just 4 of 20 colonies. This suggests rapid ingestion and degradation of spores or DNA within the sponge tissue. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that freshwater sponges can significantly reduce Tb spore concentrations in water, highlighting their potential role in controlling spore abundance in rivers. However, in present study, the effectiveness of sponges as Tb eDNA biosamplers and Tb concentrators was low, which may be related to rapid degradation of ingested Tb DNA. However, more studies are needed to more comprehensively characterize the effectiveness of sponges as potential Tb biosamplers across wide range of environments. These insights contribute to understanding host-parasite-environment interactions and highlight new possibilities for ecological disease mitigation strategies. Authors PUKK, LILIAN, ESTONIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES, Presenter SAKS, LAURI, Estonian University of Life Sciences and University of Tartu, Author KAHAR, SIIM, ESTONIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES, Author LAURINGSON, MAGNUS, ESTONIAN UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SCIENCES, Author VASEMÄGI, ANTI, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Estonian University of Life Sciences, Author
“The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of aquatic animal diseases: a research perspective from the European partnership on animal health and welfare (7279)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract THE ROLE OF WILDLIFE IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AQUATIC ANIMAL DISEASES: A RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE FROM THE EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP ON ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE Wildlife plays a critical and often underappreciated role in the epidemiology of aquatic animal diseases, influencing the health dynamics of both farmed and wild aquatic populations. Given that the interface between wild and farmed aquatic animals is frequently interconnected, understanding the role of wildlife in the transmission, circulation, and maintenance of pathogens in aquatic environments is essential for a comprehensive understanding of disease ecology. This knowledge is also fundamental for developing appropriate farm management strategies, designing facilities, and implementing water treatment measures to enhance biosecurity in aquaculture operations, as well as improving management practices for wild aquatic populations. This topic has been identified as a priority within the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPAH&W) and is being addressed through a global project focused on surveillance, monitoring systems, and risk assessment for animal health and welfare. The project aims to support the design and harmonization of surveillance and monitoring systems across Europe and encompasses several internal initiatives. Among these is SOA7, Wildlife and Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: A European Perspective. The overarching objective of SOA7 is to explore and assess the role and impact of aquatic wildlife, particularly organisms inhabiting natural ecosystems in Europe, with an emphasis on the epidemiology of significant diseases affecting farmed fish and shellfish, as well as diseases impacting key species and biodiversity in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, including commercially important fish and shellfish stocks. Specific objectives of SOA7 include the identification and development of an expert network, the creation of a database and disease heat map, impact assessment and prioritization, risk analysis related to wildlife and aquatic organisms, pathogen identification in relation to disease risk, and modeling the role of wildlife in selected aquatic animal diseases of relevance. Experts in aquatic animal disease epidemiology and risk assessment are encouraged to contact us and participate in the discussion sessions that will be organized by SOA7 in the coming months. Authors PADROS, FRANCESC, UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA, Presenter VRALSTAD, TRUDE, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Author DECLERCQ, ANNELIES, University of Ghent, Author HALLBOM, HAMPUS, Swedish Veterinary Agency, Author SUSINI, FRANCESCA, IZSLT, Author COLTRARO, MIRIANA, IZSLT, Author GÜNTHER-SCHMIDT, JACOB, DTU-Aqua, Author CONSTENLA, MARIA, UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA, Author QVILLER, LARS, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Author HANSEN, HAAKON, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Author GARSETH, ASE-HELEN, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Author STRAND, DAVID, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Author
“Antimicrobial Resistance in Ornamental Fish: monitoring data from 2020 to 2023 (7339)” Written by marina02 on August 20, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Antimicrobial Resistance in Ornamental Fish: monitoring data from 2020 to 2023 The frequent and often prophylactiac use of antibiotics at subtherapeutic doses in ornamental fish farming has contribuited to the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. This phenomenon raises significant concerns due to the global trade of ornamental species and the potential environment release of resistant bacteria. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria detected in during health monitoring of ornamental fish over a fuor-year period. Microbiological analysis were conducted on 883 ornamental fish specimens. Susceptibility tests were performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on a panel of 17 antibiotics, including beta-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides and others). In the absence of specific breakpoints for fish, CLSI breakpoints were applied. Out of 883 fish, 504 were positive to coltural examination. The predominant bacteria genera were Aeromons ad Pseudomonas. Among the isolates, 48 strains were resistant to all tested antimicrobials, while only una strain was suscebtible to all of them. A broad range of resistance patterns was observed, with high prevalence of MDR phenotypes. Ornamental fish health monitoring is essential, given the animals’ compromised condition due the transport stress and the high stocking density. Monitoring should be extended to transport water, which may serve as vector for MDR resistant strains into natural and artificial acquatic environments. This findings highlights the need for stricter antimicrobial stewardship and biosecurity measures in ornamental acquatic sector. Authors BONDAVALLI, FABIO, ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DEL PIEMONTE, LIGURIA E VALLE D’AOSTA, Presenter Esposito, Giuseppe, ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DEL PIEMONTE, LIGURIA E VALLE D’AOSTA, Author Pastorino, Paolo, ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DEL PIEMONTE, LIGURIA E VALLE D’AOSTA, Author De Vita, Vito, LA CASETTA IN CANADA’, Author Bozzetta, Elena, ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DEL PIEMONTE, LIGURIA E VALLE D’AOSTA, Author Prearo, Marino, ISTITUTO ZOOPROFILATTICO SPERIMENTALE DEL PIEMONTE, LIGURIA E VALLE D’AOSTA, Author