How to treat Hemorrhagic Septicaemia in fish?

• fish diseases
• 19-02-2019

1. What causes hemorrhagic septicaemia in fish? 

Hemorrhagic septicaemia is a highly contagious, nearly fatal infectious disease caused by viral hemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), which has several strains and affects different species. It is usually caused by an infected fish coming into contact with other normal fish. The virus is typically shed through the body fluids like the excretory (urine) or reproductive fluids (like the sperm or ovarian fluids). Any object exposed to these in the contaminated water could be a carrier of the virus. Normal fish exposed to the infected water could get the virus. 

2. What are the symptoms of hemorrhagic septicaemia in fish?

Common symptoms include, haemorrhaging or bleeding of the internal organs, skin, and muscles. Sometimes there are external symptoms, like the bulging of the eyes, bloated abdomens, bleeding around the eyes which may appear like reddish hues, and bleeding of the skin, gills and fins. Some infected fish may have lacerations on the skin which may appear darker in colour.

They may appear lethargic or unenergetic, and remain just beneath the surface, or may swim in a queer way, constantly flashing about.

3. How do you tell if your fish is stressed?

Just like humans, fish often have to cope with stress and its complications. Whether it’s a new surroundings, untidy homes or strained relationships, stress in fish can lead to serious health complications. The fish have to be observed for any of these signs of stress. 

• Gasping at the Surface: Fish snorting his mouth at the surface, is a sign of stress brought on by poor water conditions.
• Appetite: If the fish is stressed, it may refuse to eat.
• Disease: White spots on the body of a fish, and other diseases can appear as a result of stress.
• Strange Swimming: When fish are stressed, they often behave vaguely including swimming aimlessly. The fish might be swimming frantically without going anywhere, crashing at the bottom of his tank, rubbing itself on gravel or rocks, or locking it’s fins at the sides. These are symptoms of significant stress. 

4. How to treat hemorrhagic septicaemia in fish?

In cases of septicaemia prevention is better than cure. Sometimes infections are treated with a wide range of antibiotics. Treatments using API Melafix and API Aquarium Salt.

Prevention includes that tropical fish should be quarantined before introducing them to the main tank. This gives time to observe the fish for any infections and treat it before it spreads to the other fish.

In addition to this medicated food can be served inside the tank.

At times treatments with isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, salt and borax have also proved to be effective. Occasionally, dehydration followed by rehydration is quick and effective, and therefore, seems to be a good option when done carefully.

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