Fish mortality in the Mississippi catfish farming industry in 1988: causes and treatments.

The 1988 fish mortality summary for the catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) industry in Mississippi is presented. In 1988, 2,456 cases were submitted to Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service fish disease laboratories at Belzoni and Stoneville. Bacterial infection caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri was the leading cause of catfish mortality. Descriptions and treatments are presented for bacterial, parasitic, viral and other diseases affecting Mississippi farm-raised catfish in 1988.