Red Mark Syndrome (RMS) is a non-lethal skin condition primarily affecting rainbow trout in aquaculture. It's caused by a Midichloria-like organism (MLO).
Understanding Red Mark Syndrome (RMS)
RMS is a significant concern in both traditional and recirculating aquaculture systems. Here's a breakdown:
Key Aspects of RMS
- Cause: RMS is triggered by a specific type of microorganism, a Midichloria-like organism (MLO). This is noted in research by Metselaar et al. 2022 and Orioles, Saccà, et al. 2022.
- Affected Species: Rainbow trout are the primary species affected by RMS.
- Severity: While RMS is a visible condition, it's considered non-lethal.
- Occurrence: RMS appears in both traditional and recirculating aquaculture settings.
How RMS Presents
Typically, RMS manifests as distinct red marks on the skin of affected trout. These marks can vary in size and intensity. Although not deadly, it can still affect the marketability of the fish.
RMS in Aquaculture
The presence of RMS in fish farms can lead to:
- Reduced Product Value: The visual impact of the red marks can lower the market value of the fish, despite not affecting their health.
- Management Challenges: Aquaculturists must manage conditions that contribute to the development of MLO to mitigate the risk of RMS.
Management and Prevention
- Water Quality Monitoring: Maintaining optimal water quality is critical to reducing the occurrence of RMS.
- Bio-security Measures: Implementing strict hygiene protocols can help minimize the spread of MLO.
- Understanding the Pathogen: Ongoing research continues to explore effective solutions for managing the MLO and preventing outbreaks of RMS.
