Understanding the Causes of Disease in European Freshwater Crayfish

摘要: Native European freshwater crayfish (Astacida, Decapoda) are under severe pressure from habitat alteration, the introduction of nonindigenous species, and epizootic disease. Crayfish plague, an acute disease caused by fungus-like agent Aphanomyces astaci, was introduced into Europe in mid-nineteenth century is responsible for ongoing widespread mortality native populations. We reviewed recent developments current practices field pathology. The severity plague has resulted overemphasis on it. Diagnostic methods detecting fungi fungal-like agents, sometimes culturing them, frequently sole techniques used to investigate outbreaks crayfish. Consequently, causes a significant proportion undetermined. Pathogen groups well known causing other crustaceans, such as viruses rickettsia-like organisms, poorly understood or unknown Moreover, pathogenic significance some long-known pathogens remains obscure. For effective management this culturally threatened resource, there urgent need researchers, diagnosticians, resource managers address issue broader perspective than been applied previously.