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“A Salmon Virus: Where Do We Go From Here?”

“A Salmon Virus: Where Do We Go From Here?”. Article By: Rachel Nuwer October 23,2011 The New York Times Sean Morrissey. What Happened?. Two wild juvenile salmon of British Columbia may have been found to have the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV).

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“A Salmon Virus: Where Do We Go From Here?”

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  1. “A Salmon Virus: Where Do We Go From Here?” Article By: Rachel Nuwer October 23,2011 The New York Times Sean Morrissey

  2. What Happened? • Two wild juvenile salmon of British Columbia may have been found to have the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV). • Researchers from Simon Fraser University were performing a study and possibly discovered the virus in 2 out of 48 juvenile salmon 60 miles from the nearest fish farm. • Fears arising that the virus is the same that had devastating effects in Chile and Scotland.

  3. How did the virus get there? • Some believe that it was just a matter of time before the virus spread to the Pacific Northwest, especially with the farming of the salmon to keep the industry booming. • Others feel it possibly came on the boots or in the bait of fisherman who were recently in Chile.

  4. Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus • Family: Orthomyxoviridae • Genus: Isavirus • Incubation period is 2-4 weeks. It can be transmitted between fish through contact or secretions. Virus can survive in fresh and salt water. • Mortality rates are slow at first sign of infection, but if it is not controlled the virus can have a devastating effect on salmon communities. • Like influenza the ISAV can vary from year to year. • Signs of infection by the virus include darkened skin, pale gills, lethargy, and of course anemia.

  5. ISAV Cont’d • It is not understood exactly how the virus operates. Unlike humans the RBC of salmon have DNA so the virus may operate through the means of the RBC DNA. • Causes the lack of oxygen in the RBC of the fish so they can become lethargic, and even sometimes are seen at the water surface trying to attain air.

  6. It cannot be transmitted to Humans!

  7. Prevention and Eradication • Vaccines are available but highly ineffective and generally impractical to administer. • The expelling of infected fish from the wild or from the fish farms. • Proper cleaning and management of boating equipment that could possibly be in the presence of the virus.

  8. Dangers of Virus • Can wipe out entire communities of salmon. • If salmon are not present in environment this could have a trickle effect to other animals such as whales, wolves, and grizzly bears. • If large amounts of salmon to become infected the fishing industry would decline greatly.

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