Isolation, identification of causative agent of "red boil disease" in grouper (Epinephelus salmoides) and its possible control by vaccination

Abstract

This report presents the initial results of studies on the isolation and identification of the causative agent as well as possible immunization of the estuary groupers. It is hoped that by a vaccination programme, fish could be made immune to such disease. Results indicate: (1) Vibrio parahaemolyticus is pathogenic to estuary grouper (2) that the vaccines did not seem to protect the fish against the vibrio when challenged one week after vaccination, but that this was due to slow antibody production of the fish as salmonids challenged about 30-35 days after vaccination reported good protection against Vibrio anguillarum and other bacterial diseases. Experiments are now in progress to challenge the vaccinated groupers at a later stage.