White plague (coral disease)

White plague is a disease that affects coral species. It is characterized by the rapid tissue loss, leaving behind a white, exposed skeleton. The disease is caused by a bacteria known as Aurantimonas coralicida.

Causes

The primary cause of white plague is the bacterium Aurantimonas coralicida. This bacterium is capable of infecting and causing disease in a variety of coral species. The exact mechanism by which the bacterium causes disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the production of a toxin that damages the coral tissue.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of white plague is the rapid loss of coral tissue, which leaves behind a white, exposed skeleton. This can occur over a period of days to weeks. Other symptoms may include a change in color of the coral, and the presence of a white, slimy substance on the surface of the coral.

Treatment

There is currently no known treatment for white plague. Efforts to manage the disease are primarily focused on preventing its spread. This includes monitoring coral reefs for signs of the disease, and removing infected corals when possible.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of white plague involves a combination of monitoring, removal of infected corals, and efforts to improve the overall health of coral reefs. This can include reducing pollution, protecting reefs from physical damage, and promoting the growth of healthy corals.

See also

• Coral bleaching
• Coral reef
• Coral disease
• Marine biology

References

White plague (coral disease) Resources
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