Comparison of before and after thermal lice treatment in two sites.

Farmed Atlantic salmon face challenges throughout the production cycle from a range of biotic factors. Once such problem is the occurrence of sea lice. A common approach for removing these ectoparasites is the application of a thermal gradient through the use of warmed seawater. The gill represents the largest mucosal surface on the animal and as such changes in temperature may result in changes to the microbiome associated with this tissue. Here we look at the pre and post treatment impact on microbial composition on the gill at two independent sites with different historical treatment interventions.