Antiparasitic effects of peracetic acid on Striped Bass infested with Trichodina spp.

Objective: The antiparasitic effect of peracetic acid (PAA) was evaluated against an infestation of the protozoan Trichodina spp. in naturally infected juvenile domestic seventh‐generation (F7) Striped Bass Morone saxatilis. Methods: Replicated treatments (n = 3) consisted of 1 and 2 mg/L PAA and a control; treatments were applied every other day for three treatments (30‐min static exposure). Infestation intensity was enumerated 20–24 h after each treatment by counting the number of Trichodina present in a wet mount of excised gill tissue. Result: Neither treatment rate was able to completely eradicate the parasite; however, 2 mg/L PAA resulted in a statistically significant reduction, which equated to 75% reduction of observed parasites. Conclusion: The 2‐mg/L PAA treatment regimen in the present study is proposed as a safe, environmentally friendly, and effective method for reducing the intensity of Trichodina infestations in Striped Bass. Impact statementDefining new treatment regimens for common aquaculture parasites is beneficial to the industry. Emphasis on environmentally friendly chemicals is also good for the industry. Improving animal welfare can be achieved by reducing parasites in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]