Treating Snails with Copper SLOWfate

In the heart of the Mississippi Delta region a parasite is threatening to cripple the U.S. catfish industry. First transmitted by the American White Pelican and then the Ramshorn snail, the Bolbophorus trematodes parasite infects entire farm-raised catfish ponds and wipes out millions of catfish each year. Copper sulfate has been the most effective treatment for the snails, but in the heat of summer it can be toxic to fish as well, leaving catfish farmers with no options once the summer heat arrives. 

ARS researchers in Stoneville, MS, have tested a staggered and less-concentrated application of copper sulfate over the course of 4 weeks that has proven to be as effective as a single dose, but less likely to become toxic to the catfish.