Immunization of European Sea Bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L. 1758, Fingerlings with a Commercial Vaccine Against Vibriosis A One Year Survey on Antibody Level, Diseases and Growth.

In order to study the effects of bath vaccination against vibriosis in European sea bass fingerlings, Dicentrarchus labrax L. 1758, reared in Sardinia in land-based concrete tanks and sea cages, a commercial preparation was used. The achievement of the immune response, the presence of the disease and the growth performances were determined monthly in a one year study. The results showed an increase of antibody titers in immunized fish when compared to the controls. Moreover, although vibriosis spreads every year in the farms, and also during the trials year, no disease outbreaks were observed in the immunized fish. Regarding growth performances, a significant difference on body weight's increase was recorded only in off-shore cultured immunized fish when compared to the controls. Furthermore, a better “general condition” of immunized fish was recorded; therefore a higher production, at least 10%, was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]