Disease-causing organisms in the pond?

A well-known saying is "Prevention is better than cure." This proverb applies to many things, including pond hobbyists, when it comes to preventing fish from getting sick.

If you, as the manager of your own pond, can prevent your fish from getting into trouble in the first place, you'll save yourself a lot of stress, trouble, and money. After all, isn't it much nicer to enjoy your pond carefree than to play doctor? Ultimately, the pond is meant to be a haven of peace and a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

To prevent fish from getting sick, you first need to know what causes them. Only then can you take preventative measures to prevent it. Sounds logical, right? In my view, there are only six possible causes that can lead to problems. Identifying these six disease-causing factors will help you win the day. These six disease-causing factors will be discussed in more detail in future articles, as will preventative and control measures to prevent them. Below is a brief description of the six disease-causing factors, roughly in order of importance.

• Poor water quality
  I estimate that about 80% of the problems are the direct or indirect result of incorrect water management.
  
  
• Long-term stress
  Stress undermines the immune system. If the immune system fails, the fish becomes vulnerable to all kinds of parasitic outbreaks, which I also consider bacteria and viruses.
  
  
• Infection
  Diseases can be transmitted from one fish to another. A proper quarantine period is essential, especially to prevent primary pathogens.
  
  
• Long term incorrect nutrition
  In the long term, this can cause deficiency symptoms due to a lack of vitamins and the like.
  
  
• Damage
  Wounds can be a source of infection. Fish are vulnerable to intruders if their protective (mucous) membrane is breached.
  
  
• Heredity
  Old age, DNA errors and inbreeding can lead to hereditary disorders.
  
  

If we look at the list above, you'll agree that the first five factors are almost entirely within our control. If things go wrong there, you could call it management errors. And who was the pond manager again...?

Author: Joop van Tol (Koitoday)