Parasites and poor water

[Wayne S.]

I'm thinking about flukes here in particluar but this propably applies to other parasites.

Flukes under ideal summer temperatures can go from one fluke to over 3,000 in a month. From what I have read there will always be some flukes as well as other bugs in a pond. What is it about good water that keeps the numbers down and what is it about poor water that allows the numbers to explode? I would thingk that sicne the parasites are on the fish water changes and filtering should not make much differnece.
Wayne S.

[Ian]

First and foremost the good water lets the koi have a good immune system and it has defence systems like slime coat. If these are comprimised than flukes and other parasites can get a foothold and multiply. Some parasites like costia or trichodina start off non parasitic and feed off the filth and waste products in the pond water. The numbers will climb in poor water and a overpopulation will turn them to parasites to the koi. The poor water conditions also brings down the immune system triggering the non parasitic protozoa to take advantage of a new food source. So there is always parasites in our ponds waiting for us to screw up :D

[Jackie Ramo]

So it is important to keep the pond clean. Mulm should not be allowed to lie at the bottom of the pond and become a breeding ground for not only bacteria but parasites.