Introduction

Abstract

Global production of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout continues to increase, however, despite advances in prophylaxis and vaccines, disease outbreaks are one of the major limiting factors for the production of farmed fish worldwide. Infectious agents can increase rapidly in susceptible stocks, especially where the general health status of the population is poor. Therefore, the maintenance of health and the accurate diagnosis of infection are of major importance. This book (A Colour Atlas of Salmonid Diseases) represents our current knowledge of infectious and non-infectious diseases affecting salmonids from the view of a diagnostic pathologist. The reader can familiarise themselves with the wide range of conditions that we consider as ‘abnormal’ thus providing an invaluable guide to those involved in diagnosing fish diseases. Curiosity and an open mind combined with broad knowledge and experience remain important for the fish pathologist.