Fish Viral Diseases in North America, 1971-75, and Recent Research of the Eastern Fish Disease Laboratory, U.S.A.

Abstract

This overview concerns fish virology in North America in 1971-75, with emphasis on the virulent viruses: infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, channel catfish virus, and a newly isolated herpesvirus that is lethal for young rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Methods of detection and identification, new research findings, and specific problems that require research are reviewed briefly for the well-known viruses. Biophysical characteristics of a newly found herpesvirus and its known effects on young trout and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after experimental infection are described. Recent research of the Eastern Fish Disease Laboratory is described with particular reference to bacterial diseases and Myxosoma cerebralis (whirling disease of trout). The recently established section of Biological Standards of the Laboratory is an international center for the preparation, standardization, and distribution of biological reagents needed for identification and detection of infectious agents of fishes. Available reagents are listed. Similarly, the purpose, distribution, and plans for growth of Fish Health News, the quarterly bulletin, are described.