Mebendazole treatment against Pseudodactylogyrus infections in eel (Anguilla anguilla)

Abstract Two different methods of mebendazole treatment against infections with Pseudodactylogyrus spp. in eel, a short- and a long-term bath treatment, were tested. A long-term bath treatment using 1 mg mebendazole per 1 for 24 h appeared the more applicable method in commercial eel farming. In addition, two different medical preparations of mebendazole were tested and both were found equally efficacious against Pseudodactylogyrus infections. A side effect of the mebendazole treatment, a hyperproduction of mucus on the gills, was observed. The long-term bath method has now been adapted for use under commercial eel farming conditions in Denmark and practical experiences with the method are discussed.