Ceratonova shasta

Ceratonova shasta

Illustration of Ceratonova shasta

Ceratonova shasta is a myxozoan parasite that primarily infects salmonid fish, including salmon and trout. It is known for causing significant disease in these fish populations, particularly in the Pacific Northwest of North America. The parasite is of considerable interest due to its impact on both wild and farmed fish stocks.

Taxonomy

Ceratonova shasta belongs to the phylum Cnidaria, class Myxosporea, and family Ceratomyxidae. It was previously classified under the genus Ceratomyxa but was reclassified into the genus Ceratonova based on molecular phylogenetic studies.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Ceratonova shasta involves two hosts: a fish host and an annelid worm host. The parasite alternates between these hosts to complete its life cycle.

Fish Host

In the fish host, C. shasta infects the intestinal tract, where it can cause severe inflammation and necrosis. The infection can lead to significant mortality in affected fish populations. The spores released from infected fish are then released into the water.

Annelid Host

The spores of C. shasta are ingested by the annelid worm host, typically a species of polychaete worm. Within the worm, the spores develop into a different form that is infectious to fish. These infectious spores are then released back into the water, where they can infect new fish hosts.

Pathology

Infected fish exhibit symptoms such as abdominal swelling, hemorrhaging, and necrosis of the intestinal tissue. The disease caused by C. shasta is often referred to as "shasta disease." The severity of the disease can vary depending on environmental conditions and the genetic resistance of the fish.

Distribution

Ceratonova shasta is primarily found in the Pacific Northwest of North America, particularly in river systems that support salmonid populations. The distribution of the parasite is influenced by the presence of suitable annelid hosts and environmental conditions that favor its life cycle.

Control and Management

Efforts to control and manage C. shasta infections focus on understanding the environmental factors that influence its life cycle and the development of resistant fish strains. Management strategies may include habitat modification, selective breeding, and the use of barriers to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Related Pages

• Myxozoa
• Salmonid
• Parasitic disease
• Aquaculture