Co-infections and multiple stressors in fish

Fish are typically exposed to multiple physical, chemical and biological stressors. The cumulative impact of co-infections between parasites, bacteria, viruses and (a)biotic environmental pressures may trigger complex interactions, eliciting different pathological and immunological outcomes than those classically assessed. New cross-disciplinary studies attempt to measure the impact of environmental stressors in modulating the host response to pathogens. Scientific advances are needed to reduce pressure on natural populations, improve fish stock management, and to design more efficient diagnostic tools or vaccination strategies. An EAFP-promoted workshop, held on 10th September 2019 in Porto, Portugal, was dedicated to sharing research experiences on the interaction between heterogenous pathogens and multiple stressors in fish. The workshop involved around 200 attendants, opened by a keynote talk (Fast), and followed by a further twelve oral presentations, including three in the format of lash poster presentations. Contributions illustrated cross-disciplinary approaches to study complex host-pathogen and stressors interactions.