Good practices in aquaculture production and pathogen detection in rainbow trout farms

Objective: Evaluate compliance with Good Aquaculture Production Practices (BPPA) in Aquaculture Production Units (UPAs) for the incubation of rainbow trout eggs and detection of Aeromonas salmonicida and Aeromonas hydrophila using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Design/methodology/approach: Seven egg incubation UPAs were located in Puebla and three in Veracruz. A structured questionnaire was applied to assess compliance with BPPA. Samples were taken from batches of trout hatchlings and analyzed for the presence of A. salmonicida and A. hydrophila using PCR. The results were compared with the health characteristics of the fish from each batch. Results: The UPAs certified for BPPA complied with authority recommendations and did not present fish morbidity. The UPAs that complied with fewer BPPA regulations had sanitary/health problems. Aeromonas hydrophila was detected in fish from UPAs that were less compliant with BPPA regulations. Aeromonas salmonicida was not detected. Study limitations/implications: Failure to comply with BPPA can cause infection from other trout pathogens that were not considered in this study. Findings/conclusions: Compliance with BPPA reduces health risks in the UPAs that incubate trout eggs.