Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus (ISA)
also known as: ISAV
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Infectious Salmon Anemia virus, or ISAv, is a marine-based virus transmitted horizontally among Atlantic salmonids. It originated in Europe and has spread through human transport of infected salmon. Common behavioral signs include loss of appetite, abnormal swimming patterns and fish gasping at the surface. External signs may include pale gills, swollen abdomen, and areas of bleeding along the belly and sides of infected fish. Internal signs include a pale heart, swollen kidney liver and spleen, and pinpoint bleeding in fatty tissue surrounding the organs. Confirming a diagnosis usually requires molecular assay after autopsy and histological observations have been made. There is currently no way to treat ISAv infections, however there is a vaccine available to prevent the disease. There is a current and ongoing debate regarding the prevalence of ISAv in British Columbia, however it is not an issue in the Pacific Northwest. Species of fish known to be susceptible to infection include Rainbow Trout, Atlantic Salmon, and Brown Trout. Arctic Char and Atlantic Herring are suspected to be susceptible to the virus however this has yet to be confirmed. ISAv is of no threat to humans, and infected fish can be consumed safely without health risk. ISA virus is not present in Oregon. |
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Distribution:
Hosts: Atlantic salmon, but Pacific salmon and trout may act as carriers
Global, typically problemmatic in farms of Atlantic salmon
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Detection Method:
PCR - unspecified |