Understanding the spread of sea lice in Scotland

摘要

SEA lice are external parasites of wild and farmed fish. The two species (Fig. 1) most frequently found on Scottish salmonids are Caligus elongatus which infects a wide variety of fish species, and Lepeophtheirus salmonis which is considered a specialist salmonid parasite. L. salmonis is the more serious pest of Atlantic salmon in Scotland, affecting both wild and farmed animals. If not adequately controlled, the species can cause serious lesions on infected fish which can lead to a loss in condition and value, and ultimately may result in death.