Publication Abstract

Diagnosis of Aphanomyces invadans (Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome, EUS)

B. Oidtmann*

Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome is currently considered exotic to Europe. However, live ornamental fish are imported from countries where the pathogen is known to occur. Therefore there is a real risk that the pathogen will eventually arrive in Europe. In order to detect the disease if introduced, national reference laboratories need to capable of diagnosing the disease.

There are a number of laboratory tests available, including isolation, histopathology and PCR. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods and their suitability for purpose will be discussed. Furthermore, competent authorities will need to devise an approach for deciding on when a disease event in a fish population is considered a suspect case that should be investigated by suitable laboratory methods. The issue of developing a suitable case definition of a suspect case and a confirmed case will be discussed.