Transmission of Renibacterium Salmoninarum in Pacific Salmonids

Publisher: USGS | Science Center: Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC, Seattle) | Format: URL

wfrc.usgs.gov — Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) is caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum and is considered to be the most difficult salmonid bacterial disease to control, in part because of its dual modes of transmission. This bacterium, unlike most other fish pathogens, is transmitted vertically from parent fish to progeny in association with the eggs, as well as More... Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) is caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum and is considered to be the most difficult salmonid bacterial disease to control, in part because of its dual modes of transmission. This bacterium, unlike most other fish pathogens, is transmitted vertically from parent fish to progeny in association with the eggs, as well as horizontally from fish to fish. The overall objective of this research is to improve understanding of the mechanisms of horizontal and vertical transmission of R. salmoninarum for the purpose of facilitating the development of better methods for prevention and control of BKD. The specific current objective of research on horizontal transmission is to investigate the possible roles of fish tagging procedures and skin injury (descaling) in the transmission of R. salmoninarum. Less...