Definition & Meaning of "furunculosis"

What is "furunculosis"?

Furunculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects fish, such as salmon and trout. It is caused by the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida. The disease shows up as the development of wounds on the fish's skin, typically near the tail or fins. These wounds may appear as reddish cuts and can progress to become larger and more serious. Furunculosis can lead to decreased appetite, lack of energy, and being more likely to suffer from other infections. It is mainly spread through contaminated water and can cause extreme economic losses in fish farming. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and maintaining strict hygiene to prevent further spread of the disease.