In epizootics of channel catfish virus diseasse (CCVD) at four widely separated fish farms in 1968, affected fry and fingerlings spiraled, hung in a vertical position with head at the surface, or were distressed. In various combinations were edema, hemorrages, and anemia. The disease had a peracute to acute course, and stress to the fish preceded most epizootics. The virus induced formation of syncytial cells in affected cultures, which is considered at present to be of diagnostic significance. Secondary bacterial infections were found in fish with CCVD. Columnaris infection masked the symptoms of the virus disease.
Partial antibody characterization indicates that specific channel catfish immunoglobulins are macroglobulins with characteristics like those of most fish immunoglobulins and similar to those of human immunoglobulin-M.
Experts discuss the threat posed by emerging viruses and describe ongoing efforts to face future outbreaks by searching for new antivirals, developing new vaccines, and improving methods of diagnosis and surveillance. Australian contributor.
This book is a comprehensive, generously illustrated, and up-to-date reference on the virology of fishes—predomiantly species of the class Osteichthyes, but including representative members of the classes Chrondrichthyes and Myxini. It covers some thirty years since the first virus was isolated from a fish and describes 63 diseases and agents of viral, viruslike, or mistaken viral nature.
