Open AccessPotential drivers of virulence evolution in aquaculture
Author(s) -
Kennedy David A.,
Kurath Gael,
Brito Ilana L.,
Purcell Maureen K.,
Read Andrew F.,
Winton James R.,
Wargo Andrew R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
evolutionary applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 68
ISSN - 1752-4571
DOI - 10.1111/eva.12342
Subject(s) - aquaculture , virulence , biology , pathogen , infectious disease (medical specialty) , vigilance (psychology) , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , disease , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , genetics , gene , medicine , pathology , neuroscience
Infectious diseases are economically detrimental to aquaculture, and with continued expansion and intensification of aquaculture, the importance of managing infectious diseases will likely increase in the future. Here, we use evolution of virulence theory, along with examples, to identify aquaculture practices that might lead to the evolution of increased pathogen virulence. We identify eight practices common in aquaculture that theory predicts may favor evolution toward higher pathogen virulence. Four are related to intensive aquaculture operations, and four others are related specifically to infectious disease control. Our intention is to make aquaculture managers aware of these risks, such that with increased vigilance, they might be able to detect and prevent the emergence and spread of increasingly troublesome pathogen strains in the future.