Using Clay to Fight Fish Disease
Scientists from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service have unearthed a natural material that helps prevent a deadly fish disease. Kaolin, a type of clay found globally, significantly improved the survival of channel catfish with columnaris disease. The disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen, Flavobacterium columnare, which affects the gills, skin and fins of fish, and often leads to death.
Kaolin is a soft white clay that been used for years in cosmetics, medicine, and papermaking. It is also used in manufacturing china, porcelain and other products. Scientists found that adding clay particles to water tanks gave fish a 96 percent chance of surviving the disease, compared to a 76 percent chance when no clay was added to their water.