First report on Flavobacterium columnare causing disease outbreaks in cultured black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus, in Northern Vietnam.

Summary: Fish farmers in Northern Vietnam are facing a new challenge with their Black Carp, a vital source of food and income. Recently, mysterious disease outbreaks have been reported across several farms. Scientists investigated these outbreaks by examining 47 sick fish. Through genetic testing and lab work, they identified the culprit: Flavobacterium columnare, a bacteria that causes "Columnaris disease." This is the first time this specific deadly bacteria has been confirmed in Black Carp in this region. The study proves that this bacteria is highly dangerous to the fish, giving farmers a clear target to manage in order to protect their stock.