Distribution patterns of saprolegniosis cutaneous lesions in wild and farmed brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) obtained using a geographic information system (GIS).

Abstract

A retrospective study was conducted using 250 clinical records of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) with saprolegniosis by Saprolegnia parasitica, which had been collected from 8 rivers and 1 fish farm in the province of León (Spain). A geographic information system (GIS) was used to obtain skin lesion distribution patterns in males and females. Lesions in wild brown trout affected 15.31 ± 13.33% of the body surface, with a mean of 12.76 ± 6.56 lesions per fish. In addition, 51.23% of wild trout presented lesions with necrosis of the skin or fins. The pattern obtained when not distinguishing between sexes indicated that saprolegniosis lesions are mainly located above the lateral line and most frequently affect the dorsal cephalic region, the adipose fin, the peduncle and the caudal fin. However, differences were observed between males and females. Farmed trout presented a lower percentage of affected body surface (2.06 ± 4.36) and a lower number of lesions with and without necrosis because they received preventive treatment for saprolegniosis.