On the role of tubificid oligochaetes in relation to fish disease with special reference to the myxozoa

Abstract

Whirling disease is caused by the myxozoan parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, Hofer. It has been associated with a serious decline in wild rainbow trout populations in the western United States. The alternate host is the tubificid oligochaete Tubifex tubifex, and perhaps other tubificids. Tubifex is a very adaptable taxon, being found in various morphological forms. Polyploidy has been demonstrated. There is some suspicion that sibling species may be found to exist. Infection rates in tubificids are low. Related myxosporeans are associated with a variety of aquatic oligochaete worms belonging to three families, Tubificidae, Naididae and Lumbriculidae, and also with polychaetes. Myxozoans are now recognized as members of the phylum Cnidaria. Other fish parasites, such as the cestodes Archigetes and Caryophyllaeus and the nematode Eustrongylides, are transmitted by tubificids. The tubificid worm population in an ecosystem may provide an infective reservoir as the disease persists for long periods in the worm. Control of worm populations might be achieved by reducing organic inputs, lowering erosion, increasing flow and removing objects that accumulate pockets of silt. The use of pesticides is unlikely to be effective because of a lack of specific impact and consequent disruption of the whole benthic community, at least.