Prevalence of the crayfish plague, Aphanomyces astaci Schikora, in alien crayfish species in Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
Kensuke Kamimura ◽  
Tadashi Kawai
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Pacifastacus Leniusculus ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Aphanomyces Astaci ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Crayfish Species

Abstract Crayfish plague is a severe disease of crayfish that is caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci. Two crayfish hosts of this parasite, Procambarus clarkii and Pacifastacus leniusculus, were imported from North America into Japan and were found to be infected with this parasite. Since the endemic Japanese crayfish, Cambaroides japonicus, has a low resistance to the crayfish plague, infection with this parasite will likely lead to crayfish death. Specimens of both invasive crayfish species were collected across Japan and their infection status was examined using a PCR technique. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in all localities and the average infection prevalence was 67%. Additionally, when the signs of melanization were compared with the results from PCR analyses, it suggested that the DNA detection procedure is more reliable than observation of tissue melanization. Moreover, the relationship between prevalence and water temperature in the field was analyzed, indicated that water temperature influenced the prevalence of A. astaci infection.

scholarly journals First Detection of the Crayfish Plague Pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in Costa Rica: European Mistakes Should Not Be Repeated

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Martín-Torrijos ◽  
Angel Jose Correa-Villalona ◽  
Juan Carlos Azofeifa-Solano ◽  
Fresia Villalobos-Rojas ◽  
Ingo S. Wehrtmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Warning Sign ◽  
Aphanomyces Astaci ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
Crayfish Species

The crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci is one of the main factors responsible for the decline in European and Asian native crayfish species. This pathogen was transported to these regions through its natural carriers, North American crayfish species, which were introduced during the last century. Since then, the carrier species and the pathogen have spread worldwide due to globalization and the highly invasive nature of these species. In Europe, five carrier species have been categorized as high-risk as they are responsible for the loss of provisioning services, which endangers freshwater ecosystems. The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, in particular, is currently one of the most concerning species as its spread threatens crayfish biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we describe the first detection of A. astaci in an introduced population of P. clarkii in Central America, specifically in Costa Rica. Using molecular approaches, we analyzed 48 crayfish samples collected from Reservoir Cachí and detected the presence of A. astaci in four of these samples. The introduction of P. clarkii and the incorrect management of the species (related to its fishery and the commercialization of live specimens) over the past decades in Europe are mistakes that should not be repeated elsewhere. The detection of the pathogen is a warning sign about the dangerous impact that the introduction of this invasive crayfish may have, not only as a carrier of an emerging disease but also as a direct risk to the invaded ecosystems. Our results may serve to (1) assess current and future consequences, and (2) direct future research activities, such as determining the potential impacts of A. astaci on native decapod species, or on other introduced crayfish species that are used for aquaculture purposes, such as Cherax quadricarinatus.

scholarly journals Size-mediated, density-dependent cannibalism in the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) (Decapoda, Astacidea), an invasive crayfish in Britain

Crustaceana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Houghton ◽  
C. Wood ◽  
X. Lambin
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Pacifastacus Leniusculus ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Signal Crayfish ◽  
Density Dependent ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Best Fit

The role of cannibalism in crayfish populations is not well understood, despite being a potentially key density-dependent process underpinning population dynamics. We studied the incidence of cannibalism in an introduced signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus population in a Scottish lowland river in September 2014. Animals were sampled using six different sampling techniques simultaneously, revealing variable densities and size distributions across the site. Cannibalism prevalence was estimated by analysing the gut contents of crayfish >20 mm CL for the presence of crayfish fragments, which was found to be 20% of dissected individuals. When seeking evidence of relationships between the sizes of cannibals and ‘prey’, the density of conspecifics <56% the size of a dissected individual yielded the best fit. The relationship between cannibalism probability and crayfish size and density was equally well described by three different metrics of crayfish density. Cannibalism increased with crayfish size and density but did not vary according to sex. These results suggest that large P. leniusculus frequently cannibalize smaller (prey) conspecifics, and that the probability of cannibalism is dependent upon the relative size of cannibal-to-prey and the density of the smaller crayfish. We suggest that removing large individuals, as targeted by many traditional removal techniques, may lead to reduced cannibalism and therefore a compensatory increase in juvenile survival.

scholarly journals Presence of Paragonimus species within secondary crustacean hosts in Bogotá, Colombia

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-157
Author(s):  
Gillian Phillips ◽  
David M Hudson ◽  
Jenny J Chaparro-Gutiérrez
Keyword(s):  
El Niño ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Trematode Parasites

Background: Paragonimus spp. are trematode parasites that infect human populations worldwide. It is believed that infection rates within Asia reach five to ten percent of the total population. Three of the largest areas of possible infection are Asia, Central and South America as well as Africa, where the total population at risk is estimated to be 293 million people. Humans are infected via ingestion of raw or undercooked decapod crustaceans. Objective: To identify the presence of Paragonimus spp. in crabs from Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: The native crab Neostrengeria macropa and the aquatic invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Bogotá, Colombia, were collected from local markets, pet stores and waterways and dissected to assess the presence of Paragonimus spp.  Results: The native crab species, N. macropa (n=29) had an infection prevalence of 17.2%, while the invasive crayfish species, P. clarkii (n=22), had a prevalence of 36.4% combined from both field captured animals and purchased samples. Conclusion: Although the estimated prevalence is lower compared to previous studies in other cities of Colombia, Paragonimus represent a risk to human health. Several environmental factors may contribute to the difference in prevalence including collecting season, rainfall, temperature, altitude and the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Keywords: crabs, invasive species, Neostrengeria macropa, Procambarus clarkii, trematode. ResumenAntecedentes: Los Paragonimus spp. constituyen un grupo de parásitos tremátodos que infectan a humanos en todo el mundo. Se considera que entre 5 y 10% de la población humana de Asia está infectada. Las áreas con mayor posibilidad de infección son Asia, Centro y Sur América, así como África. Se estima que 293 millones de personas están en riesgo de infección. Los humanos se pueden infectar al consumir crustáceos decápodos crudos. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de Paragonimus spp. en crustáceos en Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: Una muestra de cangrejos nativos Neostrengeria macropa y de decápodos invasores Procambarus clarkii fue colectada tanto en mercados locales de Bogotá, como en tiendas de mascotas, ríos, y quebradas. Posteriromente fueron diseccionados para detectar la presencia de Paragonimus spp. Resultados: La prevalencia de la infección en N. macropa (n=29) fue de 17,2%, y en la especie invasora, P. clarkii (n=22), fue de 36,4% (porcentaje combinado de los animales colectados en el campo y los comprados en tiendas). Conclusión: Aunque la prevalencia en este estudio fue más baja que la de otras investigaciones relacionadas, se considera que existe riesgo para la salud humana. Es probable que algunos factores medio ambientales hayan contribuido a la diferencia, incluyendo: temporada de colecta, nivel de lluvias, temperatura, altura, y el fenómeno El Niño. Palabras claves: cangrejos, especie invasora, Neostrengeria macropa, Procambarus clarkii, tremátodo. ResumoAntecedentes: Paragonimus spp. são trematódeos parasitas que infectam populações humanas ao redor do mundo. Acredita-se que as taxas de infecção na Ásia atingem de 5 a 10% da população. As três maiores áreas de infecção se localizam na Ásia, Américas do Sul e Central e África, onde a população total em risco é estimada em 293 milhões de pessoas. Os humanos são infectados pela ingestão de crustáceos decápodes crus ou mal cozidos. Objetivo: Identificar a presença de Paragonimus spp. em Bogotá, Colômbia. Métodos: Indivíduos de caranguejo nativo Neostrengeria macropa e lagostim aquático invasivo Procambarus clarkii  foram coletados em mercados locais, lojas de animais de estimação e cursos de água em Bogotá (Colômbia) e posteriormente dissecados para verificação da presença de Paragonimus spp. Resultados: A espécie de caranguejo nativa N. macropa (n=29) apresentou prevalência de infecção de 17,2%, enquanto a espécie de lagostim invasivo, P. clarkii (n=22), apresentou prevalência de 36,4%, quando combinados os animais capturados em campo e os animais comprados. Conclusão: Embora a prevalência estimada neste estudo foi menor do que a de pesquisas anteriores realizadas em outras cidades da Colômbia, existe um risco para a saúde humana. Há inúmeros fatores ambientais que podem contribuir para a diferença de prevalência, dentre eles: a estação em que a coleta foi realizada, pouca precipitação, temperatura, altitude e a Oscilação Sul-El Niño.Palabras-chave: caranguejos, espécies invasivas, Neostrengeria macropa, Procambarus clarkii, trematódeos.

Relaxed attitude towards spreading of alien crayfish species affects protection of native crayfish species: case studies and lessons learnt from a Fennoscandian viewpoint

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Japo Jussila ◽  
Lennart Edsman
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Pacifastacus Leniusculus ◽  
Astacus Astacus ◽  
Signal Crayfish ◽  
Aphanomyces Astaci ◽  
Noble Crayfish ◽  
Native Crayfish ◽  
Chronic Carrier ◽  
Highly Virulent ◽  
Crayfish Species

Abstract The spreading of the alien signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is posing an ongoing threat to native European crayfish species in Fennoscandia, like the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus). The signal crayfish is commonly a chronic carrier of the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), thus, in addition to being more competitive than noble crayfish, it also has a competitive advantage in this disease over the noble crayfish. The challenges rising from the introduction of the alien signal crayfish to Sweden, Finland and finally also Norway, are similar in nature. The licensed and unlicensed spreading of this species also has a similar history in these countries. In this paper we describe some of the patters of the spread of alien signal crayfish and highlight the detrimental nature of an alien crayfish, accompanied by a highly virulent disease, to native Fennoscandian crayfish and also to native Fennoscandian ecosystems. A halt to the further spreading of alien signal crayfish in Fennoscandia is the only means to ensure successful conservation outcomes for the noble crayfish.

scholarly journals Agonism and shelter competition between invasive and indigenous crayfish species

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (12) ◽  
pp. 1923-1932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Gherardi ◽  
William H Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Freshwater Biodiversity ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
Procambarus Acutus ◽  
Crayfish Species

Several crayfish species behave as biological invaders. Their establishment in an area has frequently been accompanied by the reduction or elimination of indigenous species. A laboratory study was designed to investigate whether the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) is dominant over the indigenous (to Delaware) crayfish Procambarus acutus acutus (Girard, 1852) in either the absence or the presence of a shelter as a limited resource. As expected, we found that P. clarkii is more aggressive than the similarly sized P. a. acutus, thus confirming previous studies that demonstrated an inherent dominance of the invasive over the indigenous crayfish. We then hypothesized that species showing a lower preference for an offered shelter (P. clarkii) should be less motivated to defend it. To the contrary, in a competitive context P. clarkii excluded P. a. acutus from the shelter but did not use the resource. Caution must be used in extrapolating these laboratory studies to the field, and future studies should analyze multiple factors, including the autoecology of the two species and their reproductive potential and recruitment patterns. However, our results might help in highlighting the risks for freshwater biodiversity created by the uncontrolled translocations of P. clarkii and other similar invasive species.

scholarly journals Parasite DNA detection in water samples enhances crayfish plague monitoring in asymptomatic invasive populations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Sieber ◽  
Hanna Hartikainen ◽  
Raphael Krieg ◽  
Armin Zenker ◽  
Christoph Vorburger
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Aphanomyces Astaci ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Invasive Crayfish

AbstractInvasive species can facilitate the spread of pathogens by first providing asymptomatic host reservoirs, and then driving disease outbreaks in native populations through pathogen spillover. An example of this are invasive crayfish species in Europe (Faxonius limosus, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii), which carry the deadly plague agent (Aphanomyces astaci). Effective disease management requires comprehensive monitoring, however, pathogen detection in carrier populations with low pathogen prevalence and intensities is challenging. We simultaneously collected and analysed crayfish tissue samples of invasive crayfish populations and water samples to compare A. astaci detection in different sample types using quantitative PCR. Combined, the two sampling methods revealed A. astaci presence with DNA concentrations above limit of detection (LOD; the lowest concentration which can be detected with reasonable certainty) in 13 of 23 invasive crayfish populations. In four additional sites, A. astaci DNA concentrations below LOD were found in water. In four populations only were A. astaci concentrations above LOD detected in both sample types and in three populations in concentrations above LOD in tissue but below LOD in water. The likely reason for these discrepancies is the low A. astaci prevalence and concentration in resistant invasive crayfish, which limit detection reliability. Consistency may be improved by timing surveys with seasonal periods of high A. astaci abundance and by increasing water sampling effort. Considering the ease of collecting eDNA samples, compared to crayfish tissue sampling, eDNA methods would facilitate frequent and comprehensive surveys. However, remaining uncertainties in eDNA-based detection reveal the relevance of combining monitoring tools to improve detection of invasive pathogens and their management.

scholarly journals High prevalence of multiple paternity in the invasive crayfish species, Procambarus clarkii

2010 ◽  
pp. 107-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gen Hua Yue ◽  
Jia Le Li ◽  
Chun Ming Wang ◽  
Jun Hong Xia ◽  
Gen Lin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Procambarus Clarkii ◽  
Multiple Paternity ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Invasive Crayfish ◽  
Crayfish Species
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