>Agreed, but in my opinion we should consider all illness in rainbowfish as
>TB until proved otherwise as it is one of the "great imitators" and can
>present in such a wide range of ways.
I have no doubt in my mind at all that most of these problems are the result
of mycobacteria infection. However, we need to have the fish tested so that
it can be confirmed. Only then will we have a starting point?
>I understand there have been reported cases of M balnei and M. fortuitum
>causing "Fish Fancier's Finger" but there will probably be others in the
>future.
I'm not overly concern with what species will infect us humans but there are
at least 5 or 6 species that have been reported as infecting fish. They may
all require different environmental conditions?
>Before all ANGFA members who hear of this suggestion race off to the local
>vet with their sick fish and say "Send the bill to ANGFA !!" the committee
>would need to have before it a well-thought-out proposal that included
>numbers and costs likely. We would have to justify it based on likely
>benefit to all members. As it stands now according to Dave members from the
>NT would NOT need this service :-)
I'm not suggesting we allow wholesale testing by individual members but a
"scientific approach". We could enlist the services of the "Fishician" or
other suitably qualified person to do the tests while at the same time
record water quality, tank conditions, etc., etc, and actually have the
bacteria cultured so that we know what species it is. We (the committee)
would have to put some limit on costs etc. However I'm sure the results
would be very valuable for all hobbyists and the money would be well spent.
If we don't do it no one else will? You would be surprised just how many
inquires I get about this disease and since uploading the recent article
they just keep pouring in. I think even I have underestimated the widespread
nature of this disease.
However, despite all this I still believe that it is possible to beat this
bug :-)
>>>So Adrian you had better move to Darwin and keep fish in the Northern
>>>Territory because it looks like TB is not a problem here.
You know, that's a bit like saying Territorians don't drink beer :-)
Adrian.
Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm