Biological Concepts for the Control of Aquatic Zoosporic Diseases. Issue 7 (July 2019) - Frenken, Thijs
Abstract : Aquatic zoosporic diseases are threatening global biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as economic activities. Current means of controlling zoosporic diseases are restricted primarily to chemical treatments, which are usually harmful or likely to be ineffective in the long term. Furthermore, some of these chemicals have been banned due to adverse effects. As a result, there is a need for alternative methods with minimal side-effects on the ecosystem or environment. Here, we integrate existing knowledge of three poorly interconnected areas of disease research – amphibian conservation, aquaculture, and plankton ecology – and arrange it into seven biological concepts to control zoosporic diseases. These strategies may be less harmful and more sustainable than chemical approaches. However, more research is needed before safe application is possible. Highlights: Aquatic zoosporic diseases pose a threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and economic activities. Current control methods are based on the use of chemicals that have large negative side-effects. To support the development of alternative biological control strategies, we outline seven general biological concepts to control zoosporic diseases. We discuss some of the research required to successfully apply biological control strategies in the future.