The River Annan
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The River Annan Trust & District Salmon Fishery Board
At the end of the 19th century in the United Kingdom one particular disease was considered a significant threat to certain wild salmon fisheries and data gathered from these fish provided the basis of a detailed description of the condition known today as ulcerative dermal necrosis (UDN).
Historically UDN has occurred in Ireland, France, Sweden and Norway but in the UK this condition had largely disappeared or was not reported since the 1970s. Research from this period suggests that UDN can persist for 3-4 years in individual rivers and then disappear.
Recently, Marine Scotland Science diagnosed Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN) from Atlantic salmon stock that originated from the River Spey. This condition is a naturally occurring condition of wild fish and despite significant research no recognised cause including no link to an infectious agent. Furthermore UDN has never been reported from farmed fish.
UDN is believed to start during homeward migration and is primarily a lesion of epidermal and dermal layers of the head area. Confirmation requires histological examination of early skin lesions which is considered the only specific signs of the disease. However, secondary infection by Saprolegnia, a normal part of the river ecological system, reduces the likelihood of a correct diagnosis.
Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN)
Image: SFCC
Image: SFCC
The saprolegnia fungus that often grows on the sore is a secondary infection not directly associated with UDN. These saprolegnia spores are ever present in fresh water and the sight of this fungus is often mis-diagnosed as UDN. Salmon and trout will at certain times naturally have saprolegnia fungus on them as a result of spawning and damage from migration.
During the autumn salmon and trout often have small or sometimes large patches of white saprolegnia fungus on them, especially around the head area. These fish will often behave differently and in more severe cases mortalities will occur but this is usually not connected to UDN. Anyone concerned about fish health within the Annan catchment should contact the River Annan District Salmon Fishery Board.
Fish Health
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Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN)
Contact Us
Fisheries Office
Annandale Estates, St Ann's
Lockerbie
Tel: 01576 470600
Mobile: 07710331079
Email:
For more information and identification on UDN click here
Spey Fishery Board Monthly Briefing on UDN
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To report a fish with signs of infection contact the Fishery Board on:
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01576 470600
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07710331079