“Zoonotic trematodes in cyprinids from lakes in the Berlin area, Germany (7153)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Zoonotic trematodes in cyprinids from lakes in the Berlin area, Germany There is little information on fish-borne zoonotic trematodes in Europe, although recent cases show that changes in dietary habits increase the risk of infection in humans. In a recent study, we documented for the first time the presence of the zoonotic Pseudamphistomum truncatum (Opisthorchiidae) in tench from Germany. In the present study, we examined further cyprinids (Rutilus rutilus, Scardinius erythrophthalmus and Blicca bjoerkna) from lakes in the south-west of Berlin for muscle metacercariae in the summer of 2023. Using morphological and molecular data, we detected the zoonotic P. truncatum and the possibly zoonotic Paracoenogonimus ovatus (Cyathocotylidae) in all three fish species. Furthermore, we found the non-zoonotic Hysteromorpha triloba (Diplostomidae) and another cyathocotylid, closely related to Georduboisia sp. The mean infection intensity of P. truncatum was 1 to 2 metacercariae per fish with prevalences ranging from 10% to 43%. The most common metacercariae belonged to the cyathocotylidae with mean infection intensities ranging from 2 to 76 and prevalences of 88% to 100%. The cyprinids studied are among the fish species primarily targeted by local anglers. The widespread occurrence of zoonotic trematodes poses a health risk in connection with food preparation methods such as cold smoking or marinating, which do not kill the metacercariae. Authors KNOPF, KLAUS, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Presenter Mata-Marcano, Claudina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Author Watzal, Anna-Maria, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Author Stöck, Matthias, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Author
“Written in kidney stones: The effect of diet and carbon dioxide on nephrocalcinosis development (6695)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Written in kidney stones: The effect of diet and carbon dioxide on nephrocalcinosis development Introduction A key production challenge facing salmonids in hatcheries is nephrocalcinosis or kidney stones. Nephrocalcinosis is a chronic condition characterised by the deposition of calcium and magnesium mineral salts in the kidney. Tubule dilation, degeneration, and destruction of tissue accompanies the mineral salt deposits. Nephrocalcinosis may be found in fish from 2g in fresh water and up to 6 kg in salt water. Nephrocalcinosis occurs both in flow through and in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The main aim of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of diet and carbon dioxide (CO2) on the development of nephrocalcinosis in Atlantic salmon held in fresh water RAS tanks. Methodology Fish were divided into 12 RAS tanks with six tanks exposed to two weeks of 30 mg/L CO2 and six tanks kept at CO2 levels of <5 mg/L. Within each CO2 exposure group, three diets containing either normal, medium or high levels of mineral salts were fed in duplicate. Physiological and anatomical parameters were assessed at peak CO2, five hours after peak CO2 and two weeks after peak CO2. These parameters included gross and microscopic kidney scores, growth measurements, blood and urine parameters. Results Fish weight was 10% less in the high CO2 group than the low CO2 group. The high CO2 high salt group had significantly higher gross kidney scores than all other treatment groups at all time points. Within the high CO2 high salt group the percentage of fish with gross signs of nephrocalcinosis halved two weeks after peak CO2. Microscopic scoring of fish kidneys will also be evaluated and presented. Exposure to high levels of CO2 and increasing levels of dietary salts affected blood and urine parameters. Haematocrit dropped significantly in the high CO2 group when CO2 decreased to normal levels. Blood haemoglobin increased with increasing dietary salt levels in both the normal CO2 and high CO2 groups. Both blood and urine pH increased significantly with exposure to high CO2 and did not drop even after CO2 was returned to normal levels. Similarly, blood and urine pH increased with increasing levels of dietary salt. Conclusions The combination of exposure to 30 mg/L CO2 in the water and high levels of mineral salts in the diet resulted in gross and microscopic damage to the kidney with alternations in several blood and urine parameters. More research is needed to verify these results. Authors MULLINS, JULIA, SKRETTING AQUACULTURE INNOVATION, Presenter Nilsen, Tom Ole, University of Bergen, Author Takvam, Marius, University of Bergen, Author Yousaf, Naveed, SKRETTING AQUACULTURE INNOVATION, Author Thomsen, Tårn, SKRETTING AQUACULTURE INNOVATION, Author Le, Gam, University of Bergen, Author
“Treatment Strategies for Nodular Gill Disease: Insights from Swiss Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Aquaculture (6979)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Treatment Strategies for Nodular Gill Disease: Insights from Swiss Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Aquaculture Nodular gill disease (NGD) is an infectious condition characterized by proliferative gill lesions, leading to respiratory distress, hypoxia, and increased mortality rates. It predominantly affects freshwater salmonids reared in intensive aquaculture systems worldwide. In Switzerland, recent NGD outbreaks have resulted in mortality rates of up to 50% in farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), particularly during spring and early summer. Despite persistent challenges, few studies have addressed therapeutic interventions for NGD. In the present study, two treatment approaches were evaluated under field conditions: formalin and salt baths, each applied at varying concentrations and durations across two Swiss fish farms. Treatments were administered twice, four days apart. Upon the emergence of NGD symptoms, gill swabs for amoeba culture were collected at three time points: prior to, during, and after treatment. Fish were sedated with tricaine, gill scores (GS) were assigned, and gill swabs were obtained. Concurrently, tank-specific mortality rates were documented. Amoebae were consistently detected in cultures, even in fish presenting a GS of zero, supporting the hypothesis of their ubiquitous nature. In symptomatic fish, GS values decreased following treatment, although amoeba cultures remained positive throughout. While treatments did not achieve complete eradication of amoebae, a marked improvement in fish health, as evidenced by reduced GS, was observed. Analysis of treatment efficacy revealed that in some cases, a single treatment was sufficient to reduce mortality to zero, whereas in others, two treatments were necessary. Treatment outcomes were categorized into three groups: (1) effective after the first treatment, (2) partially effective after the first treatment, and (3) ineffective after the first but successful after the second treatment. In conclusion, the gill score proved to be a more reliable diagnostic tool than amoeba culture results. Bath treatments employing salt (1.9%–2.5%) and formalin (200–220 mL/m³) demonstrated effective under field conditions in Swiss rainbow trout aquaculture. These findings may contribute to the development of improved management strategies against NGD in freshwater aquaculture systems. Authors Vannetti, Stefania, Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University Bern,, Presenter Knüsel, Ralph, fishdoc GmbH, Rain, Switzerland, Author Fankhauser, Benjamin, Institut für Informatik, Pattern Recognition Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, Author Schmidt-Posthaus, Heike, Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University Bern,, Author
“Biocontrol strategy to reduce skin fluke infections by targeting the parasite’s pre-infection stages (6929)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Biocontrol strategy to reduce skin fluke infections by targeting the parasite’s pre-infection stages Infections by skin flukes (Monogenea: Capsalidae) pose serious challenges in mariculture, causing growth retardation, secondary infections, and increased mortality in farmed fish. These parasites inflict substantial economic losses globally, particularly in the farming of groupers, seabreams, amberjacks, and many other species. Owing to their direct lifecycle and rapid proliferation, managing skin fluke infections requires frequent deworming treatments, such as chemical bathing. However, these treatments are costly, labor-intensive, and time-consuming, placing significant operational and financial burdens on fish farmers. In addition, the stress and fasting period associated with bath treatments further impair fish growth. Therefore, developing effective methods to reduce infection, as well as treatment frequency is urgently needed. To date, no preventive strategy has been successfully established for skin fluke infections in cage culture systems. This study explored a novel biocontrol approach targeting the parasite’s pre-infection stages, namely eggs and hatched larvae (oncomiracidia), to reduce infection risk. We screened multiple fish species for their ability to consume skin fluke eggs and identified five candidates that actively fed on the eggs of Neobenedenia girellae and/or Benedenia seriolae. Among them, Girella leonina (Girellidae), and Siganus fuscescens (Siganidae) were selected as “egg-remover” and co-cultured with juvenile Seriola species in experimental cages. Cages stocked with egg-remover fish showed marked reduction in biofoulings, highlighting their dual role as effective “cage-cleaners”. Juvenile Seriola co-cultured with egg-removers exhibited significantly lower levels of skin fluke infection, reduced mortality, and improved growth performance. These beneficial effects were consistent across repeated trials involving both N. girellae and B. seriolae infections. Furthermore, the egg-remover species were shown to be highly resistant to skin flukes and possess market value, contributing additional income opportunities for fish farmers. We also assessed the role of filter-feeding bivalves in removing oncomiracidia from the water column. Tank experiments demonstrated that oysters, mussels, and clams effectively reduced larval density over time. Exposure trials with Seriola juveniles in tanks containing live oysters showed promising reductions in infection compared to tanks with only oyster shells, although results varied between trials. Our findings suggest that co-culturing fish species that consume parasite eggs, alongside incorporating filter-feeding bivalves to lower larval abundance, offers an innovative and eco-friendly strategy for the sustainable management of skin fluke infections in cage aquaculture. Authors SHIRAKASHI, SHO, KINDAI UNIVERSITY, Presenter TOMITA, YUKI, KINDAI UNIVERSITY, Author NOBUHISA, HATTORI, KINDAI UNIVERSITY, Author KAZUO, OGAWA, Meguro Parasitological Museum, Author
“Multiple regulatory mechanisms of a dietary phytobiotic additive to support fish skin health (6961)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Multiple regulatory mechanisms of a dietary phytobiotic additive to support fish skin health Fish skin acts as a multifunctional barrier, providing both physical protection and immune defense. This structure includes the surface mucus, which traps pathogens and contains antimicrobial molecules; the epidermis, which produces mucus and responds rapidly to injury; and the dermis, which provides structural support and forms scales that contribute to physical protection. Preserving the function and integrity of these three layers is essential for enhancing resilience in farmed fish. To evaluate how dietary strategies can strengthen skin defenses, a phytobiotic additive (APEX, Adisseo) was assessed using three experimental models under different biological settings. First, a mucus-function model in gilthead seabream evaluated the biochemical properties of the skin surface. Mucus collected from APEX-supplemented fish showed significantly enhanced bacterial inhibition activity against opportunistic pathogens such as Tenacibaculum maritimum and Pseudomonas anguilliseptica by over 70% and 50%, respectively. Second, a guppy-Gyrodactylus parasite challenge model was used to investigate the additive’s mode of action under controlled infection. Shotgun proteomic analysis of skin samples identified 1,332 differentially expressed proteins in APEX-supplemented fish compared to controls. Two key immune responses were observed: increased epidermal cornification and complement system activation. Finally, a zebrafish laser ablation model demonstrated the additive’s capacity to support skin regeneration at the epidermal level. Wound closure was significantly accelerated in the treated group, reaching 50% closure by 16.2 days compared to 26.7 days in the control. Together, these three models provide a comprehensive understanding of how the phytobiotic additive supports fish skin health under various biological stress conditions. By enhancing mucus bacterial inhibition, improving immune function across skin layers, and accelerating epidermal regeneration, APEX can help reduce the severity of external infections and improve welfare in aquaculture. Authors CHEN, I-TUNG, Adisseo France SAS, Presenter ISERN-SUBICH, MARIA MERCÈ, Adisseo France SAS, Author NUEZ-ORTÍN, WALDO G., Adisseo France SAS, Author
“In vivo challenges with Apolemia sp. and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (6978)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract In vivo challenges with Apolemia sp. and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) In vivo challenges with Apolemia sp. and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Introduction Jellyfish and siphonophore aggregations, including Apolemia sp., pose an increasing threat to salmon aquaculture. These gelatinous zooplankton can cause significant tissue damage in fish through contact with venomous cnidocytes (stinging cells), leading to welfare concerns and economic losses. This study investigates the localised effects of Apolemia sp. contact on juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) through controlled laboratory studies, focusing on the body, head, and gills. Using histological assessment, we aim to understand cnidarian-induced damage over time and explore strategies to mitigate these risks in marine aquaculture. Methodology Juvenile Atlantic salmon (~150 g; n = 150) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups (30 fish each) to assess the effects of exposure to wild-caught Apolemia sp. The groups included: (1) body contact, (2) head and gill contact, (3) body, head, and gill contact, (4) body, head and gill contact with Apolemia that had electrical treatment applied prior to challenge, and (5) a handling-only control. Fish were sampled prior to exposure, 2 hours after exposure, and at intervals over two weeks. Tissues from the body, head, and gills were collected, preserved in formalin, and examined histologically to evaluate tissue damage. Results Histopathological results showed minimal or mild changes in pre-exposure and control samples. Fragments of Apolemia sp. and cnidocytes were found near tissues of fish sampled immediately and 2 hours after exposure. Low to moderate acute pathology was observed in the gills, while the skin was mainly affected on the outer surface. More pronounced pathology was seen in fish sampled 2 days after exposure, with haemorrhages, inflammation, and necrosis in the gills, and necrosis, dermatitis, and oedema in the skin. Lesions progressed to a more sub-acute to chronic stage at later time points. Cnidocytes were occasionally present near lesions or within affected tissues. Most fish exposed to electrified Apolemia sp. showed only mild, non-specific changes similar to the control group. Conclusions The results demonstrate skin and gill histopathological lesions following contact with Apolemia sp. through controlled laboratory studies. Additionally, electrification of Apolemia sp. reduced its ability to harm fish, likely by disrupting its ability to fire nematocysts. Authors RODGER, HAMISH, PATOGEN AS, Presenter Herrero, Ana, PatoGen AS, Author Oldham, Tina, Institute of Marine Research, Author
“Fundamental research toward the development of control measures against trematode whirling disease in marine fish (7120)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Fundamental research toward the development of control measures against trematode whirling disease in marine fish The trematode whirling disease is caused by the metacercaria of Galactosomum nagasakiense (Digenea: Heterophyidae), which encysts in the brains of marine fish. The disease typically occurs in summer and primarily affects juvenile fish, which exhibit abnormal whirling behavior near the water surface and eventually die. This behavior is considered a parasite-induced manipulation to facilitate predation by the avian definitive host, Larus crassirostris. While the disease has been well-documented in wild fish such as Engraulis japonicas, Trachurus japonicus, and Spratelloides gracilis, it also affects farmed species. Since the first report in aquaculture during 1960s, at least five species, including Seriola quinqueradiata, Takifugu rubripes, and Oplegnathus fasciatus, have suffered mass mortalities. Cumulative mortality can reach several tens of percent, yet no effective control methods have been established. We recently identified the cerithiid snail Cerithium dialeucum as the first intermediate host, enabling experimental infections using cercariae. This study investigated the basic characteristics of the cercariae and the development of the parasite in various fish species through controlled infection experiments. Fish were exposed to cercariae by gavage administration, direct injection into the head, or feeding. The highest infection rates, up to 100%, were achieved via feeding and injection, especially in small juveniles. Successful infections were confirmed in wide range of fish spanning six families, including S quinqueradiata, Seriola dumerili (Carangidae), T rubripes (Tetraodontidae), O fasciatus (Oplegnathidae), Pagrus major (Sparidae), Sebastiscus marmoratus (Sebastidae), as well as Oryzias latipes (Adrianichthyidae). However, species-specific differences in susceptibility were observed. Notably, while P. major showed 100% infection rate, larvae died in the brain within two weeks, whereas in S. quinqueradiata, all larvae developed into encysted metacercariae, with whiling symptoms appeared six weeks post-infection. Oral administration of praziquantel showed no apparent efficacy against encysted metacercariae, although further trials targeting earlier infection stages are ongoing. Cercarial emergence from infected snails was observed at relatively high water temperature (~25ºC) with a clear circadian rhythm, peaking immediately after light onset. Cercariae exhibited positive phototaxis, and a lifespan of typically less than 24 hours. These findings suggest that in natural settings, cercariae emerge early in the morning and aggregate near the water surface, promoting ingestion by fish. This study provides fundamental insights into the infection dynamics and offers a foundation for developing future control strategies against trematode whirling disease in aquaculture. Authors Takeuchi, Daiki, Aquaculture Research Institute, Kindai University, Presenter Shirakashi, Sho, Aquaculture Research Institute, Kindai University, Author Sugihara, Yukitaka, Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Fisheries, Author Iwasaki, Ryoma, Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Fisheries, Author Miyazaki, Haruki, Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Fisheries, Author Ito, Naoki, Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Author Nakano, Tomoyuki, Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Author Takano, Tsuyoshi, Meguro Parasitological Museum, Author Ogawa, Kazuo, Meguro Parasitological Museum, Author
“Development of good practice guidelines for on-farm production of antibiotic-coated feed in aquaculture (7031)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract Development of good practice guidelines for on-farm production of antibiotic-coated feed in aquaculture Introduction Oral administration via medicated feed remains the primary method of drug delivery in farmed fish. However, access to medicated feed is often limited due to small quantities required, insufficient for production by an approved feed operator, or due to delivery times that are incompatible with emergency treatments. In response to these challenges, the recent European Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1159 authorises fish veterinarians to administer veterinary medicines coated onto dry feed on site. The Regulation also encourages Member States to establish guidelines to promote best practices. Methodology Three feed preparation models were evaluated to reflect current field practices and needs: (A) a 0.5 mm diameter extruded starter feed (Nutra Sprint, Skretting France) coated with liquid florfenicol (Florfenikel 300 mg/mL, Kela, Belgium) at 750 ppm ; (B) a 5 mm diameter extruded grower feed (Neo20CDC, Le Gouessant, France) coated with liquid florfenicol at 1500 ppm ; (C) a 5 mm diameter extruded grower feed coated with a 50% oxytetracycline HLC powder (Acti-tetra B 500 mg/g, Biove, France) at 9000 ppm. Mixing was performed using a concrete mixer, with rapeseed oil used as a diluent for florfenicol, and as a binder for oxytetracycline. Antibiotic concentrations in the feed were quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. Each protocol was performed in triplicate. To assess homogeneity, five samples were collected from each preparation as the concrete mixer was gradually emptied. Results For protocols (A) and (B), the oil and antibiotic must be mixed before addition. A 10% increase over the theoretical dose of florfenicol was required to achieve the target concentration on the feed. Optimal homogeneity was achieved by adding the mixture while the concrete mixer was in motion. The dosing gun proved to be the best compromise in terms of application, operator safety, product loss and cleaning. A mixing time of 15 minutes was optimal. The amount of oil in the grower feed should not exceed 5 mL/kg; it can range between 10 and 22.5 mL/kg for starter feed depending on the formulation. For protocol (C), the powder was sprinkled directly on the feed before mixing. A 15% increase over the theoretical dose was required to achieve the appropriate concentration. A mixing time of 10-15 minutes was sufficient to ensure good homogeneity. An oil coating of 10ml/kg was then applied and mixed for a further 5 minutes. Conclusions Antimicrobial drugs can be coated onto feed types under defined conditions to produce appropriate medicated feed. Authors Ségolène, Calvez, Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, 44300 Nantes, France, Presenter Antoine, Rostang, Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, 44300 Nantes, France, Author Lucie, Menager, Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, 44300 Nantes, France, Author Jean-Luc, Le Reste, Halieutica, 49000 Angers, France, Author Pierre-Marie, Boitard, Fili@vet, 29600 Saint Martin des champs, France, Author Matthieu, Jamin, Fili@vet, 29600 Saint Martin des champs, France, Author Alain, Le Breton, Vet’EAU, 31330 Grenade, France, Author Sara, Picon Camacho, Vet’EAU, 31330 Grenade, France, Author Christian, Ravaille, SOCSA Elevage, 31240 L’Union, France, Author Guillaume, Le Reste, Halieutica, 49000 Angers, France, Author
“String Jellyfish Apolemia spp. (Most Likely A. uvaria) Causes Serious Tissue Damage in Farmed Fish (7155)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract String Jellyfish Apolemia spp. (Most Likely A. uvaria) Causes Serious Tissue Damage in Farmed Fish In recent years there has been an increasing number of observations of string jellyfish Apolemia spp. (most likely A. uvaria) along the entire Norwegian coast, and during the autumn of 2023, the high occurrence became a serious challenge for fish farmers. Several fish farmers reported skin and gill damage on fish exposed to string jellyfish, and in some farms, all fish had to be destroyed or slaughtered due to animal welfare reasons. The string jellyfish belongs to phylum Cnidaria, known to be equipped with cnidocytes that can be used for defense or capture of food. In fish, the cnidarian venom is known to cause tissue damage in the skin, gill, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. In November and December 2023, Pharmaq Analytiq received 32 diagnostic cases for histological examination where it was stated in the clinical history that string jellyfish had been observed in or around the farm. The cases were mainly from farms located in Western or Northern Norway. There were 30 cases from salmon (Salmo salar) and two cases from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In several of the cases, serious histopathological tissue changes were detected in the gills and skin. Formalin-fixed samples from the string jellyfish presumed to be A. uvaria were processed for histology to gain more knowledge about the jellyfish morphology, and to be able to identify structures from the jellyfish in tissue sections from fish. Structures (nematocysts) from the string jellyfish were found to be associated with tissue damage in gills. We will summarize our diagnostic findings from the autumn of 2023, which show a clear association between of A. uvaria and tissue damage in gills. Hofossæter M, Alarcón M, Wisløff H. String Jellyfish Apolemia spp. (Most Likely A. uvaria) Causes Serious Tissue Damage in Farmed Fish. J Fish Dis. 2025 Apr;48(4): e14077. doi: 10.1111/jfd.14077. Epub 2024 Dec 30. PMID: 39740145. Authors Alarcón, Marta, PHARMAQ ANALYTIQ, Presenter Hofossæter, Mette, PHARMAQ ANALYTIQ, Author Wisløff, Helene, PHARMAQ ANALYTIQ, Author
“Exploring the antiparasitic potential of black soldier fly (BSFL)-based preparations for the treatment of Gyrodactylus turnbulli, a monogenean parasite (7188)” Written by marina02 on July 12, 2025. Posted in Abstracts. Abstract exploring the antiparasitic potential of black soldier fly (BSFL)-based preparations for the treatment of Gyrodactylus turnbulli, a monogenean parasite Introduction Parasitic infections caused by monogenea are a major concern in aquaculture, threatening fish health, growth, and overall farm productivity. The limited availability of approved and effective treatments, combined with their limited effectivity and associated health and environmental risks, necessitates the development of safer and more sustainable alternatives. Prior studies demonstrated that fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), especially ethyl laurate, originated from lauric acid (C12:0) and possessed significant antiparasitic properties. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) efficiently convert organic waste into nutrient-rich biomass, offering a sustainable source of protein and lipid. BSFL is also rich in lauric acid, with proven anti-parasitic properties. Methodology The anti-parasitic effect of a range of BSFL-based waste material and preparations are considered. These include BSFL extracts with different solvents, including ethyl acetate, ethyl ether and ethanol, as well as frass, which is the BSFL excretion. In addition, FAEE prepared through transethylation of dried BSFL biomass was tested. The different preparations are initially tested ex-vivo, using tail fin clips from Gyrodactylus turnbulli-infected guppies. For this, infected fish are anaesthetised, euthanised, and tail fins containing at least five parasites are placed in 24-well plates with sterile tap water. The preparations tested are added at different concentrations, with appropriate controls. Parasite mortality and detachment are monitored. Effective preparations are further evaluated in vivo with infected guppies. Results Fatty acid composition of BSFL contained 56.1% lauric acid (C:12) and the FAEE preparation was respectively rich in ethyl laurate (the FAEE of lauric acid). Transethylation of dry BSFL powder provided 478 mg FAEEs per gram of BSFL. The FAEE preparation was diluted in ethanol at 38 mg/ml. This preparation was used for analysis. BSFL-derived FAEEs induced 100% mortality of the parasite within 4 h at a concentration of 1.25 µl/ml FAEE-BSFL preparation in ethanol. This contains 75 µM ethyl laurate and is derived from 31 µg/ml BSFL powder. In vivo, complete elimination of the parasites was achieved from a concentration of 0.65 µl/ml FAEE-BSFL in ethanol. Toxicity tests confirmed no toxicity to the fish at the tested concentrations. The analysis of BSFL extracts with different solvents and frass is underway. Conclusions This study supports the integration of BSFL-based preparations into parasite management for aquaculture. FAEE-based preparation was shown to be effective for the treatment of G. turnbulli in guppies. The effect on other monogenean parasites in different fish species can be considered. Therapeutics based on natural sources like BSFL are potentially sustainable and cost-effective avenues for parasite treatment in aquaculture. Authors Arunjyothi, Jawaji, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Presenter Inna, Khozin-Goldberg, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Author Manikandan, Arumugam, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Author Sigrid, Penno-Winters, Central and Northern Arava R&D-Tamar, Author Dina, Zilberg, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Author