Parasitic, fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of common carp (Cyprin
us carpio L.) are reviewed. Besides a general overview of parasites of
carp, swimbladder inflammation, caused by Sphaerospora spp., is discu
ssed in detail. Saprolegnia spp. is the most important fungal pathogen
. Aeromonas hydrophila and the atypical Aeromonas salmonicida, as well
as Flexibacter columnaris, are described as the major bacterial patho
gens of carp. Spring viraemia of carp caused by Rhabdovirus carpio is
presented as the main viral infection of common carp. Details on metho
ds of treatment and prevention are presented together with a descripti
on of the given diseases. The role of environmental stress, including
''normal'' culture practice and pollution, in the outbreak of diseases
of common carp is discussed. Prospective methods to minimize the risk
of diseases as well as their limitations are presented.