PCR-Detection of Plecoglossus altivelis Poxvirus-Like Virus (PaPV) in Wild Ayu

Abstract

Plecoglossus altivelis poxvirus-like virus (PaPV) is suspected as the causative agent for atypical cellular gill disease in ayu P. altivelis. The virus was detected by PCR from wild juvenile ayu and Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus caught in coastal areas, but not detected from the larval ayu caught in freshwater. No histopathological changes were observed in the gills of juvenile ayu positive for PaPV. When the positive juvenile population was reared in freshwater, the detection rate of the virus gradually decreased and reached below the detection limit 40 days after the stocking.