STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Transcription

1 Page: 1 of PREAMBLE: Inspections and consultations, as well as prescriptions services are conducted by the institutional and contract veterinarian at VIU as required and as per the Canadian Council on Animal Care Guidelines for Animal Care. Due to the number of finfish species at VIU, a veterinarian will be contracted with specific experience in finfish veterinary care. Federal requirements for fish health diagnostics and reporting are to be met as defined in VIU Freshwater/Land-based Aquaculture License. 2.0 PURPOSE: To describe veterinarian consultation procedures in Vancouver Island University hatchery facilities, communication procedures in the event of fish health problems, and applied diagnostic methods. 3.0 SCOPE: To maintain healthy populations of fish they must be provided with good quality water, be fed high quality feed, be kept at adequate population densities and be minimally handled to reduce stress. A poor environment or poor fish husbandry can predispose fish to parasitic, bacterial or viral pathogens. The best treatment for fish disease is prevention. In accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care, Vancouver Island University fish hatchery sites will conduct no less than 3 scheduled contract veterinary inspections per calendar year. Members of the Animal Care Committee at VIU and the institutional veterinarian will tour hatchery sites a minimum of twice per calendar year. In the event that pathogens or symptoms of infection appear at fish heatchery sites, immediate reporting measures will be undertaken such that all appropriate parties are notified and may take proper action as required. Vancouver Island University Fisheries and Aquaculture hatcheries have not suffered large scale pathogen related mortalities. The following are documented pathogens that have occurred on site in Vancouver Island University cultured fish (Bill Bennett, personal communication). 1) Parasites: Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus, Ichthyoboda

2 Page: 2 of 10 2) Bacteria: Cytophyga psychrophilia (Flavobacterium psychrophilum), Flexibacter columnaris (Fl. columnare), Renibacterium salmoninarum, Aeromonas hydrophila 3) Fungus: Saprolegnia spp. 4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES: Principal Investigators and/or Responsible Managers have overall responsibility for: ensuring that personnel are aware of and understand this policy/procedure. All Personnel that work under Animal Use Protocols (AUPs) that cite this SOP are responsible for: a. Familiarizing themselves with this policy/procedure; b. Obtaining training for this procedure prior to conducting the procedure (if unsupervised). 5.0 APPROVED PROCEDURE: 5.1 Title of procedure: Fish Health Diagnostics and Veterinary Consultation 5.2 Definition of terms used in the Standard Operating Procedure 1) Parasites: Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus, Ichthyoboda a) Dactylogyrus is a monogean trematode which is commonly known as a gill fluke. Large infestations can cause loss of gill function and cause fish behavioural characteristics indicating suffocation or lack of oxygen. Fish often will gasp at surface waters and will show a loss of appetite. b) Gyrodactylus is also a monogean trematode and is commonly known as a skin fluke. Large infestations will cause skin irritation and can cause fish behavioural characteristics such as rubbing against the bottom or sides of the tanks. Fish may also show quick bursts of swimming behavior and a loss in appetite. c) Ichthyoboda, more commonly known as Costia is a flagellated protozoan which attaches to the skin or gills of its host by means of the flagella. Fish may show a loss of appetite, appear lethargic, swim and rub against the bottom or sides of the tanks

3 Page: 3 of 10 (flashing). Heavy infections may cause excessive mucus on the gills and external surface of the fish. 2) Bacteria a) Cytophyga psychrophilia (Flavobacterium psychrophilum) and Flexibacter columnaris (Fl. columnare) are both more commonly known as Myxobacteria. Both appear as filamentous in wet mount preparations and are gram positive bacteria. Myxobacteria invade the fins causing necrosis of tissue. Early signs of a myxobacterial infection are a loss in fin integrity and a rough appearance of the skin. b) Renibacterium salmoninarum is more commonly known as Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD). Renibacterium salmoninarum are gram-positive diplobacilli that occur both intra- and extra-cellularly. R. salmoninarum is slow growing on selective media requiring up to six weeks incubation. Fish with BKD can exhibit a variety of macroscopic changes. Infected fish may be dark, lethargic and exhibit a swollen abdomen due to ascites. Exophthalmia and other eye lesions may occur as well as external blood-filled blisters on the skin. Gills may be pale due to anemia. Internal examination may show multifocal, grayish-white nodules in the kidney, and or spleen and liver. Fish may exhibit spiraling or whirling swimming behaviour. c) Aeromonas hydrophila are short, motile, gram negative rods. A. hydrophila bacterial colonies appear yellow and are detectable within 24 hours on TSA media. Aeromonas hydrophila infections in fish may show mortalities without gross lesions. Hemorrhaging of the gills, vent and internal organs may occur. Abscesses and ulcers can be evident externally. 3) Fungus: Saprolegnia spp. Early clinical signs and gross pathology of Saprolegnia infection is a loss in fin integrity and a rough appearance of the skin. Tufts of fungus on the skin surfaces, gills and fins may be quite visible to the naked eye. Saprolegnia can be quite invasive to incubating coho and trout eggs and is the major cause of mortality in incubators and can cause mortality of wild brood fish. 4) Federally Reportable Aquatic Animal Diseases in Canada - Salmonid and Nonsalmonid Finfish Diseases of Regional, National or International Concern The following list of diseases and infectious pathogens "warrant urgent notification and immediate attention" as per reporting requirements set forth in the VIU Freshwater/Land-Based Aquaculture License (Appendix III). More information is

4 Page: 4 of 10 available at: a) Ceratomyxosis (causative agent: Ceratomyxa shasta) b) Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis (causative agent: a virus in the same family as European catfish virus [Ranavirus] c) Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) (causative agent: Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (rhabdovirus)) d) Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) (causative agent: Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (birnavirus)) e) Infectious Slamon Anaemia (ISA) (causative agent: Infectious salmon anaemia virus (orthomyxovirus)) f) Koi herpes virus disease g) Spring viraemia of carp h) Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) (causative agent: Viral hemorrhagic septicaemia virus (rhabdovirus)) i) Whirling disease (causative agent: Myxobolus cerebralis)) j) White sturgeon iridoviral disease (WSIV) (causative agent: iridovirus) h) Any other filterable agent either causing cytopathic effects in tissue culture or is associated with identifiable clinical disease in fish Aquaculture Management Division Fisheries and Oceans Canada Suite Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4 Fax: (604) Freshwater.Aquaculture@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 5.3 Supplies and Equipment: 5.4 Pre-Procedural Preparations and Examination of Animal: 5.5 Procedure A. Fish Health Investigation: 1) Visual observations by fish care personnel of subtle external lesions on fish or behavioral changes such as a reduction in feeding, lethargy, abnormal position in the water column or flashing may be indicative of the onset of disease. A gradual increase

5 Page: 5 of 10 or sudden spike in fish mortality numbers may indicate a disease in the fish population. Fish care personnel must determine if fish mortality numbers or behavioral changes are due to water quality problems. Ensure that there is adequate water in-flow and proper drainage of tank waters. Check water quality parameters. A quick adjustment to maintain proper water quality may solve the erratic swimming behavior or eliminate further fish mortality. Report all unusual fish mortalities and suspected fish health problems to Vancouver Island University Technicians. 2) If there is a suspected fish health problem in tank populations, samples of fish must be collected for diagnostic work-up. Examinations should be conducted on moribund fish as well as normal asymptomatic fish. Discuss sample size with Technicians. Euthanize sampled fish appropriately (Euthanasia - SOP). Place fish in Ziploc bag and keep on ice prior to examination. Label bag with date, fish sample (moribund, dead, normal) and tank number. Store samples in fridge located in building 380, Rm 100. Fish must be examined immediately post-death for external parasites. 3) Provide background information on submitted fish. Submit daily record sheets including mortality rates for previous 6 months. Species and stock origin. Previous disease problems and treatments. Water quality records for previous 6 months. 4) Bacteriology and Parasitology will be conducted on-site by trained Biologists and Technicians. Approved Methods: Parasites: Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus, Ichthyoboda Microscopy using wet mount preparation of the gills or skin scrapings will show actively moving monogeans and flagellated protozoans. Monogeans and flagellated protozoan infections are controlled with external therapeutic agents such as Parasite-S, or salt. Parasite-S is a registered pharmaceutical for use in fish and can be used without prescription or consultation with a veterinarian. Vancouver Island University will only use approved products by the Canadian Bureau of Veterinary Drugs (Fish Health Program Chemotherapeutant Application SOP).

6 Page: 6 of 10 Bacteria: Cytophyga psychrophilia (Flavobacterium psychrophilum), Flexibacter columnaris (Fl. columnare), Renibacterium salmoninarum, Aeromonas hydrophila Bacterial identification can be accomplished by culture on Cytophaga Medium, with incubation at 15degC. Myxobacteria will form small yellow-green diffuse, rhizoid colonies. Identification of bacterial pathogens, clinical signs and gross pathology of bacterial infections depends on the species involved. depends on the species involved. Specific confirmatory identification methods may be found in Amos, Good husbandry techniques and careful handling of fish will greatly reduce the prevalence of disease. Treatment and control of bacterial infections depends on the species involved (SOP - Fish Health Chemotherapeutant Application). If detected, both Cytophyga psychrophilia (Flavobacterium psychrophilum), Flexibacter columnaris (Fl. columnare) can be treated with an external bath treatment. Consult the Veterinarian for prescription and treatment options. Vancouver Island University will only use products approved by the Canadian Bureau of Veterinary Drugs. Renibacterium salmoninarum is routinely treated with the oral application of Oxytetracycline. Oxytetracycline is a licensed pharmaceutical for use in fish but must be used under veterinarian prescription and supervision. All antibiotic applications considered for use at Vancouver Island University will be under the advice and prescription of a veterinarian. Injection of erythromycin or oxytetracycline is useful for controlling BKD in brood stock and for preventing egg-mediated parent to progeny (vertical) transmission. Both injectable products require a veterinary prescription and supply. Surface treatment of the eggs with Ovadine is an added precaution to eliminate BKD from the surface of the eggs. To date, BKD has not been a problem in Vancouver Island University Brood fish, or at the Chase River Hatchery. In the event of BKD problems, fish health options and antibiotic application must only be used upon the advice of a veterinarian. Fungus: Saprolegnia spp. Wet mount preparation of the gills or skin scrapings will easily show fungus hyphae and spores. Saprolegnia infections in fish are controlled with external therapeutic agents such as Parasite-S or salt. Parasite-S is a registered pharmaceutical for use in fish and can be used without prescription or consultation with a veterinarian. Vancouver Island University will only use approved products by the Canadian Bureau of Veterinary Drugs.

7 Page: 7 of 10 Laboratory and clinical findings will be reported to contract and institutional veteriarian and background information on fish will be forwarded to Veterinarian upon request. Treatment options and regime will be discussed with contract Veterinarian. Upon completion of procedures, diagnostic results and confirmatory lab findings, results are forwarded and a diagnosis will assigned by the contract Veterinarian. B. Disease Outbreak Procedures: Disease outbreaks in individual tanks or systems need to be seriously addressed through consultation with Vancouver Island University Technicians and contract Veterinarian. Campus culture facilities rely on re-circulating systems. Tank Farm 2 has individual recirculating tanks which can be considered isolated systems. Tank Farm 1 has one salt water and two fresh water re-circulating systems (Cell A and Cell B). To date the salt water system does not hold any cultured fish. Tanks in Cell A or Cell B must be considered one unit (water circulates from tanks to common treatment systems before being pumped back to the tanks). A disease outbreak in fish in any tank located in Cell A or Cell B means that other tanks in the same cell have probably been exposed to the same pathogen. Consult SOP - Fish Health- Biosecurity and Biocontainment Experimental Tank and Equipment Isolation. In the event of an epizootic: Technicians must determine the unit to be isolated (Tank or Cell (groups of tanks)). Biosecurity and/or isolation measures for preventing the spread of pathogens to other tanks or cells must be immediately put in place. i) Ensure there is no aerosol spray from isolated tank. ii) Fish husbandry equipment is kept separate and disinfected. iii) Notify all fish care personnel, staff and students using the system of disease outbreak. iv) Clearly label tank or system of concern. Unauthorized or untrained personnel and visitors must not be permitted to approach the tanks in question. v) All tanks must be re-plumbed to flow-through. If mortalities are substantial (excluding egg and larval stages) and account for more than 4% of total inventory on site in a 24 hour period or within a maximum 4 day period, the Aquaculture Management Division must be immediately notified. If reportable disease is identified, report to the Aquaculture Management Division and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

8 Page: 8 of Post- procedural Follow-Up: n/a 5.7 Safety Equipment and Procedures: Consult Parasite-S, Ovadine or information sheets for any other prescribed or nonprescribed drugs or chemicals PRIOR to use. Follow all safety procedures. 5.8 Non-Conformance: Any personnel determined to be improperly applying fish health and veterinary protocol will be considered in violation of the associated AUP and will be subject to VIU disciplinary procedure outlined in VIU Procedure Animal Care Committee - Section 5. The VIU Animal Care Committee is authorized by the President of Vancouver Island University to halt any procedure where the committee considers that unnecessary or unforeseen pain or distress is being experienced by an animal, or where use deviates significantly from an approved protocol. Authority extends to humane destruction of the animal if it is considered that pain or distress of the animal cannot be alleviated. The institutional veterinarian is empowered to take the foregoing actions without reference to the researcher or the committee if his/her professional judgement so warrants. (Section 2 of VIU Procedure ). 6.0 RECORDS Records to be completed include: The consulting veterinarian will provide reporting for the three time annual veterinary inspections as per the VIU veterinary contract. Further, in the event of substantial mortalities or the use of prescribed medications or chemical theraputent to treat parasites or infection, a formal diagnostic report must be submitted to the consulting veterinarian and Technicianss or other faculty and staff. The veterinarian should send an official diagnosis along with treatment or management recommendations to the Facility Manager (or designate) and to the VIU Fish Pathologist as soon as possible so treatment can begin without delay. The Facility Manager will copy the report to the Animal Care Committee.

9 Page: 9 of FORMS Forms to be completed include: n/a 8.0 REFERENCES: Amos, K.H Procedures for the Detection and Identification of Certain Fish Pathogens. Fish Health Section, American Fisheries Society. Corvallis, Oregon. Bennett, Bill Malaspina University-College, Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Instructor, and Research Associate. Personal Communication. VIU Euthanasia SOP. Adopted January, VIU Fish Health Program Chemotherapeutant Application SOP Syndel Laboratories Ltd Parasite-STM Information Sheet. Accessed Sept Syndel Laboratories Ltd OvadineTM Information Sheet. Accessed Sept ACC Terms of Reference: The animal care committee is authorized by the President of Vancouver Island University to halt any procedure where the committee considers that unnecessary or unforeseen pain or distress is being experienced by an animal, or where use deviates significantly from an approved protocol. Authority extends to humane destruction of the animal if it is considered that pain or distress of the animal cannot be alleviated. The institutional veterinarian is empowered to take the foregoing actions without reference to the researcher or the committee if his/her professional judgement so warrants. 9.0 AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION: Daniel Fox - Technician - Fisheries and Aquaculture Department

10 Page: 10 of 10 REVISION LOG Revision Date Authority Reviser Revision Details

11 Ovadine DIN Ovadine is exclusively distributed for fish culture by Syndel Laboratories Ltd in Canada and Western Chemical Inc in the USA Ovadine is an easy to use, environmentally friendly, general disinfectant. Ovadine is a specially buffered, non-staining, non-corrosive, aqueous iodine solution used by fish and shrimp farm personnel as a general disinfectant on equipment, tanks, nets, hands and clothing in hatcheries and at farm sites. Ovadine may also be used to disinfect fish and shrimp eggs and shrimp nauplii. Ovadine is a fast acting disinfectant that has been shown to be effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Recommended Dosage & Administration Method General Disinfectant - A 250 ppm available iodine solution is made by diluting 25 ml Ovadine to 1 litre with clean water. Use as a dip or bath. - Wash items that are heavily contaminated with soil or organic debris before disinfecting with Ovadine. - A change in the solution colour from dark brown to light yellow indicates loss of activity. Ideally, the free iodine concentration should be monitored during treatment. Renew by using a fresh solution of Ovadine. Fish Egg Disinfectant - Conditions such as the organic content of water and the mass of the fish eggs vary, thus the number of eggs treated can vary widely. - Place eggs into a 100 ppm free iodine solution of Ovadine for ten minutes. A suitable ratio is 1 volume of eggs to 4 volumes of this solution. - A 100 ppm free iodine solution is made by diluting 10 ml Ovadine to 1 litre with clean water. Presentation - Ovadine is a liquid available in 4 litre, 20 litre and 200 litre containers. Composition - Ovadine is a buffered 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine (PVPI) solution in water. The dark brown liquid contains minimum 1% available iodine. Stability and Storage - PVPI solutions may be stored at room temperature (20-30 C) for periods greater than two years if containers are kept tightly closed and away from direct sunlight. The AQUATIC LIFE SCIENCES Companies Available in Canada from Syndel Laboratories Ltd (800) Available in the USA from Western Chemical Inc (800)

12 Ovadine Safety Precautions - PVPI solutions have very low toxicities and are non-irritating to skin, mucosa and wounds. PVPI solutions are classified as practically non-toxic to humans. There is no evidence of adverse effects from continued use of PVPI solutions. - Care should be taken when discarding PVPI solutions. For weak solutions, dilute with several volumes of water before discarding. - For strong solutions, neutralize with sodium thiosulfate before discarding. - Ovadine has low toxicity to fish eggs. However, it may be toxic to fish. Therefore, thoroughly rinse all disinfected surfaces before re-use. - The 100 ppm free iodine solution may be painted on lesions, although it may burn the exposed skin of some marine fish and smooth skinned fish. The AQUATIC LIFE SCIENCES Companies Available in Canada from Syndel Laboratories Ltd (800) Available in the USA from Western Chemical Inc (800)

13 " PARASITE-S DANGER 'ft POISON p to 1 hr & trout Formalin (aqueous formaldehyde solution) For control of External Protozoa and Monogenetic Trematodes on all Finfish and External Protozoans on Penaeid Shrimp: and for control of Fungi on all Finfish eggs. DESCRIPTION PARAsrTE-S is the aqueous solution of formaldehyde gas (this is equivalent to formalin 37% or 37 grams of formaldehyde in 100mLof solution). U.S.P. grade PARASITE-S contains not less than 37%, (by weight) of formaldehyde gas per weight of water and 6 to 14% methanol. In solution, formaldehyde is present chiefly as HO(CH,o)H. Its molecular weight IS PARASITE-S is readily miscible with water, methanol, and ethanol and is slightly soluble in ether. It is a clear, colorless liquid (Heyden Newport Chemical Corporation, 1961). FISH AND SHRIMP TOXICITY STUDIES The toxicityof PARASITE-S was measured by standard methods in laboratory bioassays with rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, black bullhead, channel catfish, green sunfish, bluegill. smallmouth bass. largemouth bass and striped bass. The 3.6,24 and 96-hour LC", (lethal concentration for 50% of the animals) values for trout range from to 100 ).lul (455 to 37 ppm tormaldehyde); for catfish, from 495 to 65.8 pul (183 to 24 ppm formaldehyde); for bluegill, from 2,290 to 100 pul (847 to 37 ppm formaldehyde); for largemouth bass, the values for 6 to 96-hour LC",rangefrom 1,030to 143pUL (381to 53 ppmformaldehyde) (Bill etal. 1977)and forsfnped bass the values for 6 to 96-hour LC", range from 940 to 30 pul (347 to 11 ppm formaldehyde) (Bills, Marking & Howe-1993). The 24, 48, 72, and 96-hour LCso values for penaeid shrimp rangefro~ 712 to 235 ~UL (ppm) (Johnson, 1974 and Williams, 1980). INDICATIONS FOR USE: 1, Parasiticide lor Finlish: for the control of external protozoa (Chi/odone"a spp., Costia spp., Epistylis spp., Ichthyophthlrius spp., Scyphidia spp. and Trichodina spp.), and the monogenetic trematode parasites (C/eidodiscus spp., Dacty/ogyrus spp., and Gyrodactylus spp.). 2. Parasiticide lor Penaeid Shrimp: for fhe control of external protozoan parasites (Bodo spp., Epistylis spp., and Zoothamnium spp.). 3. Fungicide for Finfish Eggs: for the control of fungi of the family Saprolegniaceae. 1, Parasiticide lor Finlish Concentrations of Formalin up to Ponds 15-25" Aquatic species Administer Indefinitely in Earthen (pulr above up tosoc 250 I F ~15-25"'" I I Administer in Tanks & Aquatic species Shrimp 3, Fungicide lor Finlish Eggs DIRECTIONS Administer in Tanks and FOR USE: Microliter per liter (j.lul) = parts per million (ppm). Usethe lowerconcentrationwhen ponds,tanks orraceways areheavily loadedwithphytoplankton, or fish, to avoid oxygen depletion due to the biological oxygen demand created by decay of dead phytoplankton. Alternatively. a higher concentration might be used if dissolvedoxygen ---,s-s-fr~lctry monltorea:- Although the indicated concentrations are considered safe for cold and warm water finfish, a small number of each lot or pond to be treated should always be used to check for any unusual sensitivity to formalin before proceeding. 2, Parasiticide lor Penaeid Shrimp Raceways for up to 4 hours (J..1UL) 50 to 100" Administer in Earthen Ponds indefinitely (pul)' - Mlcrolifer per lifer (pul) = parts per million (ppm). Treat for up to 4 hours daily. Treatment may be repeated daily until parasite control is achieved. Usethe lowerconcentration when ponds, tanks or racewaysare heavily loaded with phytoplankton, or shrimp, to avoid oxygen depletion due to the biological oxygen demand created by decay of dead phytoplankton. Alternatively, a higher concentration might be used if dissolved oxygen is strictly monitored.. Treatment may be repeated in 5 to 10 days, if needed Aquatic species Concentrations of Formalin Concentrations of Formalin 25'" Administer in Hatchery Systems (pulr Eggs of all finfish except Acipenseriformes I tor 15 minutes" Eggs of Acipenseriformes I up to 1500 for 15 minut_e._s _ _ Microliter per liter (fiul) = parts per million (ppm). Apply in con~tant flow wfl:tersupply of incubating facilities. A preliminary bioassayshouldbe conducted on a small subsample of fish eggs to determine sensitivity before treating an entire group. This is necessary for all species because egg sensitivity can vary with species or strain and the unique conditions at each facility. METHODS OF APPLICATION APPLICATION TO TANKS AND RACEWA YS - Turn off watersupply, provide aeration, apply appropriate amount of PARASITE-S, and thoroughiy dilute and mix to assure equal distribution of PARASITE-S. Treat for up to 1 hour for fish and up to 4 hours for penaeid shrimp, then drain the solution and refill the tank with fresh, well-aerated water. While tank is under treatment, adequate oxygen must be present to maintain the fish or shrimp. If needed, aeration should be provided fo prevent oxygen depletion. Treatments may be repeated daily until parasife control is achieved. APPLICATION TO PONDS - Apply greatly dilufed PARASITE-S to the pond evenly using a pump, sprayer, boat bailer, or other suitable device to assure even distribution. Allow PARASITE-S to dissipate naturally. Singie treatments usually control most parasites, but may be repeated in 5 to 10 days if needed. Treatmenfs for Ichthyophthirius should be made at 2-day intervals until control is achieved. APPLICATION TO EGG INCUBATORS - Apply PARASITE-S into a constant water supply flowing around the eggs. A drip or pressure system should be used and timed. Apply PARASITE-S under the surface of the water flow, WARNING USER SAFETY WARNINGS Exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde vapor causes severe respiratory irritation which can be life-threatening. Lowervapor levels can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract. and skin. Swallowing formaldehyde can be life-threatening. Formaldehyde isan irritant when splashed on skin or into the eyes. It can cause severe eye damage, even blindness. Keep out of reach of children, Use only with adequate ventilation. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. May aggravate a pre-existing asthmatic condition and allergic rhinitis. Moderate fire and explosion hazard exists when exposed to heat or flame. Contains methanol - cannot be made non-poisonous. Prolonged exposure to methanol has been associated With reproduction disorders. Potential Cancer Hazard: Formaldehyde vapor may be carcinogenic if inhaled. Use applicable safefy protection. (Note: This drug, used as labeled, does not cause formaldehyde tissue residues in fish). Employers: Refer to Occupational Safefy and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR for human safety guidance that may be applicable to your specific operation. OSHA's "action level" concentration for airborne formaldehyde is 0.5 part per million (ppm), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), Use respiratory, skin, and eye protection when needed (refer to OSHA's regulation 29 CFR ). OSHA's airborne exposure limits (without use of a respirator) for formaldehyde shall not exceed 1) 0.75 part per million (ppm) as an 8-hour, the-weighted average (TWA) or 2) 2 parts per million (ppm) as a 15-minute, short term exposure limit (STEL). NOTE: The odor of formaldehyde in the air can generally be detected at about 0.5 to 0.8 ppm (range about 0.05 to 1 ppm). USER EXPOSURE EMERGENCY AID INHALATION (Breathing): Vacate exposure area and go to area of fresh air. If removing a victim from area of very high vapor concentrations, use a sell-containing breathing apparatus. If the victim is not breathing, give artificial respiration, preferably mouth-to-mouth. Seek medical help immediateiy. INGESTION (Swallowing): Ifthe person isconscious, dilute, inactivate, or absorb the formaldehyde by giving milk, activated charcoal, or water. Get medical help immediately. If vomiting occurs, keep head lower than hips. EYE CONTACT: Immediately flush eye(s) with large amounts of water lor at least 15 minutes, lifting the lower and upper eyelids occasionally, until no evidence 01chemical remains. Seek medical attention immediately. SKIN CONTACT: Remove contaminated clothing (including shoes) immediately. Wash affected area of body with soap and large amounts of water until no evidence of chemical remains (at least 15 minutes). Ifthere are chemical burns, or appreciable eye or respiratory irritation, get medical help immediately. PRECAUTIONS Store PARASITE-S indoors away from direct sunlight, heat, sparks, and open flames, and ventilate storage area. Do not subject PARASiTE-S to temperatures below 40'F (4.4'C). PARASITE-S subjected to temperatures below 40'F causes the formation of paraformaldehyde, a substance which is toxic to fish. Paraformaldehyde can be recognized as a white precipitate at fhe bottom or on the walls of the container. Tolerance to PARASITE-S may vary with strain and species of fish, eggs and shrimp. While the indicated concentrations are considered safe for fhe indicated use, a small number of each lot to be treated should be used to check for any unusual sensitivity to PARASITE-Sbefore proceeding. Under some conditions, fish or penaeid shrimp may be stressed by normal treatment concentrations. Heavily parasitized or diseased fish or penaeid shrimp Often have a greatly reduced tolerance to PARASITE-S. Such animals do not tolerate the normal tank treatment regimen the first time they are treated, Therefore, time and dosage may need to be reduced. If they show evidence of distress (by piping at the surface), the solution should be removed and replaced with fresh, well aerated water. Careful observations should always be made throughout the treafment period whenever tank or raceway treatments are made. Treatment should never exceed 1hour/or fish or 4 hours for penaeid shrimp (even if they show no sign of distress), nor should it exceed 15 minutes for fish eggs. Do not apply PARASITE-S to fish ponds, fanks or raceways with water warmer than 27'C (80 F), when a heavy bloom of phytoplankton is present, or when the concentration of dissolved oxygen is less than 5 mg/l (5 ppm). Do not apply to penaeid shrimp ponds when the concentration of the dissolved oxygen is less than 3to 4 mg/l (ppm). PARASITE-S may kill phytoplankton and can cause depletion of dissolved oxygen. Ifan oxygen depletion occurs, add fresh, well-aerated water to dilute the solution and to provide oxygen. Because formalin may harm a biofilter, biofilters shouid be bypassed during treatment, and the system should be flushed and replaced with untreated water before reconnecting the biolilter. Do not use PARASITE-S in a tank, pond or raceway in which methylene blue, or other dyes which are absorbed, have been recently used. ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS Do not discharge the contents of fish treatment tanks into natural streams or ponds withouf thorough dilution (greater than or equal to lox). Do not discharge the contents of egg treatment tanks without a 1OOXdilution. This will avoid damage fo PARASITE-S sensitive phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish populations and avoid depletion of dissolved oxygen. Formaldehyde is identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a toxic pollutant and hazardous substance and is required by regulation (40 CFR, Part 122) to be identified as a discharge for NPDES permits for aquatic animal production lacilities~aquaculture projects and other facilities, Formaldehyde is subject to SARA Title III, Secfion 313 reporfing. Use, storage, and disposal 01this product must be handled in accordance with applicable local, state and Federal laws. STORAGE Recommended storage temperature 59'F (15'C). DO NOT EXPOSE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT, Store PARASITE-S indoors away from direct sunlighf, heat, spark, and open flame, and ventilate storage area. Do not subject PARASITE-S to temperatures below 40'F (4.4'C). Manufactured Western Chernicallnc Lattimore Rd., Ferndale, WA (360) for: NADA , Approved by FDA Striped bass have been demonsfrated to be hypersensitive fo formalin; lethal toxicity has been noted to occur at levels approximately 2-3 times the recommended therapeutic concentration.