As the water temperature continues to drop, many aquaculture farmers are beginning to worry about a problem - water mold disease. Today, let's have an in-depth discussion on how to scientifically and effectively prevent and control water mold disease during the low-temperature period.
First, understand: Why is water mold disease prone to break out during the low-temperature period?
The water temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius is the "golden period" for the reproduction of water mold spores. At this time, the immunity of fish and shrimp declines and their wounds heal slowly.
When pulling nets, dividing ponds and transporting fish and shrimp, their body surfaces are prone to scratches and bumps, creating "infection entry points".
During the low-temperature period, water quality is prone to deterioration (with increased ammonia nitrogen and nitrite levels), intensifying the stress response of fish and shrimp and further weakening their resistance.
Some farmers use drugs blindly, disrupting the balance of water body flora and providing an opportunity for water mold disease to take advantage.
Ii. How to Prevent?
1. Regularly test water quality: Measure pH, ammonia nitrogen and nitrite once a week. Make timely adjustments if any abnormalities are found to prevent water quality deterioration and the occurrence of water mold disease.
2. Avoid low-temperature operations. Try not to pull nets, divide ponds or transport when the water temperature is below 10℃. If operations must be carried out, apply VC to the water body three days in advance to enhance the stress resistance of fish and shrimp. When casting a net, use soft nets to avoid scratching the surface of fish and shrimp.
Within 24 hours after netting and dividing the pond, sprinkle iodine preparations throughout the pond to gently disinfect the wounds on the body surface and inhibit the adhesion of water mold filaments.
Supplement nutrition to enhance physical fitness.
4. Conduct two inspections every day, with a focus on observing the activity status of fish and shrimp: whether they swim alone in groups, whether there are white flocculent substances on their body surfaces, and whether their feeding is normal.
Iii. How to Treat?
The best window period for the treatment of water mold disease is the early stage of infection, that is, when the mycelium has not yet penetrated into the muscle tissue.
1. You can use "sulfamethoxacin" or "gallnut powder" to sprinkle all over the pond. Both have a good inhibitory effect on water mold and are relatively safe. Gallnut, as a traditional Chinese medicine, also has the effect of astringing wounds.
2. Select some new types of compounds that are highly effective against water mold, such as "salicylic acid" or "complex acrylate", and use them as per the instructions. The effect is remarkable.
For every mu of water depth, 2-3 kilograms of salt and 2-3 kilograms of baking soda can be used and sprinkled throughout the pond to create an osmotic pressure environment that is not conducive to the growth of water mold.
Iv. Pitfall Avoidance Reminder: Never Make These 3 Mistakes!
Don't wait until water mold disease breaks out to take medicine. During the low-temperature period, the key to prevention and control lies in "prevention". Adjusting water in advance and protecting the body are more effective than treatment.
Do not blindly increase the dosage of medication. During the low-temperature period, fish and shrimp have a slow metabolism, and drugs are prone to accumulate and cause poisoning. Use strictly in accordance with the dosage on the instructions.
Do not neglect the improvement of the bottom substrate. The accumulation of leftover feed and feces at the bottom can breed bacteria. Regularly use "oxidizing bottom modification" (such as potassium peroxymonosulfate) to improve the bottom and reduce the source of diseases.