DISEASE ASSESSMENT ON MASS MORTALITY SYNDROME OF ABALONE Haliotis squamata AND ITS HYBRID IN LOMBOK

High mortality (±150 individuals/day) occurred for the period of November - December 2015 on 2 abalone species: Haliotis squamata and hybrid species (H. squamata x H. asinina). Preliminary studies including parasite assessment, bacteriology, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were done to identify pathogenic agents causing such high mortality. Total of 44 dead abalone and moribund were examined. From these samples, general clinical signs were observed such as: decreased movement, loss of appetite, weak, pale, lack of pedal adhesion to substrate, protruding mouth and abscesses of the foot. In addition, decaying processes in the death abalone seemed also to be faster than normal. Furthermore, the examination of parasite investment showed high numbers of copepods.

Results of microscopy and conventional PCR testing showed negative P. olseni. Molecular testing with qPCR for Abalone herpes-like virus showed a negative result. The result of bacteriology analysis indicated to be positive Vibrio sp. Early diagnosis was AbHV infection or vibriosis. Histopathology showed changes in foot and inflammation of the buccal region. OTC treatments with immersion did not show good results, immersion with Elbaju also did not show good results. OTC Intramuscular injection showed a decrease in mortality at 3 days post injection, but the mortality continues. A complete investigation is needed to know case details and avoid repeated event in the future.