Based on an interesting study done by the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Auburn University, there is a possible preventative measure that we might want to consider employing, though the use of salt other than for the treatment of Ich is highly controversial.
This is from the article: "The Dreaded Flexibacter", written by "Dr. Barb", found on the Flippers "N" Fins website, under the link "emergency room"
"A recent study from the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures at Auburn University in Alabama showed that keeping some freshwater fish in water with salt of increasing concentrations can prevent Flexibacter infections, presumably by preventing adhesion of the Flexibacter to the fish’s body. When fish were exposed to Flexibacter, those kept at a 0.1% salinity (one teaspoon salt per gallon) had mortality rates reduced by one third, while those at a 0.3% salinity (one tablespoon salt per gallon), experienced no deaths. In the freshwater control group (salinity= 0.03%), there was virtually a 100% mortality (except goldfish, which had a 67% mortality). Whether the findings of this study hold true for aquarium fish is unknown, but it suggests that salt at concentrations that are commonly used in the hobby may help to prevent a Flexibacter infection.
(fonts in bold by me)
Now, having shown you this, I don't know if it is in your fishes best interest at present to try this because it is true that salt does add a little stress to the fish, but I believe that if you see others in the tank begin to show signs or symptoms then I, personally, would try it.
I don't believe I would go to the 3% extreme, but I believe the 1% (1tsp per gallon) is what I would do. Again, that is only if I began to see others with indications that the infection is becoming widespread.
Edit: remove sentence fragment
This is from the article: "The Dreaded Flexibacter", written by "Dr. Barb", found on the Flippers "N" Fins website, under the link "emergency room"
"A recent study from the Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures at Auburn University in Alabama showed that keeping some freshwater fish in water with salt of increasing concentrations can prevent Flexibacter infections, presumably by preventing adhesion of the Flexibacter to the fish’s body. When fish were exposed to Flexibacter, those kept at a 0.1% salinity (one teaspoon salt per gallon) had mortality rates reduced by one third, while those at a 0.3% salinity (one tablespoon salt per gallon), experienced no deaths. In the freshwater control group (salinity= 0.03%), there was virtually a 100% mortality (except goldfish, which had a 67% mortality). Whether the findings of this study hold true for aquarium fish is unknown, but it suggests that salt at concentrations that are commonly used in the hobby may help to prevent a Flexibacter infection.
(fonts in bold by me)
Now, having shown you this, I don't know if it is in your fishes best interest at present to try this because it is true that salt does add a little stress to the fish, but I believe that if you see others in the tank begin to show signs or symptoms then I, personally, would try it.
I don't believe I would go to the 3% extreme, but I believe the 1% (1tsp per gallon) is what I would do. Again, that is only if I began to see others with indications that the infection is becoming widespread.
Edit: remove sentence fragment
I tried to post yesterday after the first one died, but due to the move my post wouldn't go through, and then the whole site was unavailable again and I couldn't even access this forum.