DNA analyses for fish

The classes of fish exhibit a great diversity. The various species differ significantly from one another in form, body structure, physiology, and lifestyle.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV, CyHV-3)

The detection of Koi herpesvirus is crucial for the protection of koi and carp stocks. Early diagnostics provide security within the population, support responsible stock planning, and help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Warning signs of a KHV infection

  • Early phase: apathy, loss of appetite, flashing, increased mucus secretion, paleness or patchy discoloration of the gills

  • Acute phase: severe gill damage, respiratory distress, skin lesions, sunken eyes

Warning signs of a CEV infection

  • Early phase: apathy, reduced feed intake, flashing movements, subtle gill changes, dull skin

  • Acute phase: significant gill damage, respiratory distress, characteristic “lying on the bottom”

(CEV, KSDV) Carp edema virus

Testing for Carp edema virus provides vital clarity regarding non-specific signs of illness in carp stocks. Targeted diagnostics enable rapid action, protect other animals, and form the basis for responsible stock management.

Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare)

Columnaris is an acute bacterial fish disease that can rapidly lead to severe skin and gill damage as well as high stock losses, particularly during stress and elevated water temperatures. Early, laboratory-based diagnostics are crucial to reliably differentiate the disease, treat it specifically, and prevent its spread within the population.

Columnaris warning signs

  • Early phase: non-specific symptoms such as loss of appetite, restlessness, slightly increased mucus

  • Acute phase: white-grey coatings on the mouth, gills, or fins (“cotton-wool” appearance), frayed fins

Your advantage

  • Early detection of diseases – many infections show few symptoms initially

  • Prevention of stock losses caused by insidious infections

  • Differentiated clinical pictures – diagnostic clarity prevents incorrect treatments

  • Stock and biosafety through appropriate therapeutic measures

Health checks / combined analyses

A comprehensive health check combines several relevant diagnostics, offering a holistic overview of the health status of a fish population. It provides clarity for vague symptoms, enables early action, and forms a reliable basis for targeted measures, sustainable stock management, and responsible decisions in husbandry and breeding.

Further DNA tests

A DNA test for disease diagnostics in fish is now a central instrument of modern fish health monitoring – both in aquaculture and in ornamental and pond fish keeping. Here you will find further DNA analyses for the diagnostics of bacterial diseases in fish.

Bacterial diseases

  • Coldwater disease (Pathogen: Flavobacterium psychrophilum)

  • Furunculosis (Pathogen: Aeromonas salmonicida)

  • Enteric Redmouth Disease (Pathogen: Yersinia ruckeri)