Three-Dimensional Screen: A Comprehensive Approach to the Health Monitoring of Zebrafish

Considering the numbers of zebrafish held in the laboratories, it is relevant to develop some tools to monitor the health of the animals, as well as their biotope. Environmental samples can be used to detect aquatic pathogens. Comprehensive health monitoring would thus seek pathogens in three dimensions of the animals and microbes' habitat: the fish, the sludge, and the water. This three-dimensional approach is called the 3D screen and it introduces some complementary tools to routine sentinel screening. For example, sludge and sump swabs analyses allow an efficient detection of pathogens at a low cost and with a fast turnover. These assays are particularly useful in cases of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa infestation or Mycobacterium haemophilum outbreak. Indeed, such a broader choice of diagnostic tests gives flexibility for the veterinarian to investigate Mycobacterium spp. presence in the water systems and fish colonies. Some other robust additional analysis, like the mortality rate monitoring, quickens the decision-making process. The 3D screen describes how this new toolbox can be used efficiently to monitor laboratory fish health.