28th ANNUAL EASTERN FISH HEALTH WORKSHOP April 21-25, 2003 Mycobacteriosis And Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass: An Integrated Cooperative Research Program Christopher A. Ottinger U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, National Fish Health Research Laboratory, 11700 Leetown Rd., Kearneysville, WV, 25430 Mycobacteriosis is a bacterial disease in which striped bass (Morone saxatillis) may be disfigured as a result of skin ulcers and internal lesions. The bass may also be skinny due to the chronic nature of this wasting disease. Recent evidence of polymicrobial infections in some striped bass suggested that the observed condition of infected fish might be the result of a relatively complex disease progression. While the extent of mortality associated with mycobacteriosis in wild striped bass is not known, laboratory studies indicated that the bacteria causes lethal infections when administered in biologically relevant doses.  In the Chesapeake Bay, as well as many other regions of the United States, striped bass are a highly prized target species for both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen. The economic impact of devalued striped bass as a result of mycobacterial infection could be significant.  Data collected from 1998 to 2002 suggested that infection rates at some locations within the Chesapeake Bay could approach 70% and that the disease has persisted in these populations for at least five years.  A cooperative research program to address research issues surrounding this mycobacteriosis epizootic began in 1999.   This program, involving both state and federal entities, addresses issues ranging from pathogenesis and immunity to the infection status of specific striped bass populations.   Understanding the etiology of this disease will be important to fishery resource managers responsible for the management of striped bass and other fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay.  It may also be important to those managers responsible for the overall health of the bay and the interagency efforts to address concerns for environmental quality and the safety of bay resources for recreation. Return to 28th Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop Return to Leetown Science Center Home Page