Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS), formerly known as Ulcerative
Fish Disease, was first recorded in Sri Lanka during late 1987
and has since been steadily spreading through the wet-zone
areas. The cause of the disease has not yet been determined and
it has been recorded to effect many of our indigenous fresh and
brackish water species.
On receiving reports of fish mortalities within the Sinharaja
Forest Reserve it was decided to undertake a field visit to the
area in order to verify the reports and collect fish and water
samples for analysis. Given the fact that the description of the
disease fitted closely with Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS),
see appendix 1 for brief report on EUS, a field visit was
undertaken with the following objectives:
1. To verify the presence of EUS.
2. Collect samples for further laboratory level histological,
microbiological and transmission studies on EUS.
3. Carry out water quality studies to determine any relationship
between any water quality parameters and the disease.
4. Add to ?he information on the spread of the disease within
Sri Lanka.
Sinharaja being an important natural heritage both in terms of
its beauty- (to the biologist and layman alike) and as an
invaluable gene pool, it was considered worthwhile monitoring
the turn of events in the reserve witli regards to EUS.