Flavobacterium columnare

ALSO KNOWN AS: Columnaris Disease, Cotton Wool Disease

Flavobacterium columnare is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for columnaris disease, characterized by skin lesions, gill necrosis, and a cotton-like appearance on affected areas. It is highly contagious and can lead to significant mortality in cultured fish populations.

Distribution: Worldwide in freshwater environments

Detection Methods: Bacterial culture, PCR

Hosts: Various freshwater fish species, including catfish, salmonids, and cyprinids

Target Tissue: Skin, gills, fins