Detailed Research Information

Detailed project information for
Study Plan Number 01072-08

Branch : Fish Health Branch

Study Plan Number : 01072-08

Study Title : Detection and transmission of a retrovirus disease from valuable brood stock among Atlantic salmon from the Pleasant River

Starting Date : 01/01/1999

Completion Date : 09/30/2002

Principal Investigator(s) : Cipriano, Rocco C.

Primary PI : Cipriano, Rocco C.

Telephone Number : (304) 724-4432

Email Address : rocco_cipriano@usgs.go

SIS Number : 5004635

Primary Program Element : Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Second Program Element : Fish and Aquatic Habitats

Status : Completed

Abstract : A retroviral infection hitherto referred to as Atlantic Salmon Swimbladder Sarcoma Virus (SSV) was diagnosed in adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) held in a quarantine facility at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NANFH), MA. The fish had been collected as 1+ and 2+ year-old fish from the Pleasant River, ME, and were to be used as brood fish in a fish population augmentation program for that river. Signs of disease were observed at the NANFH in older (4+ yr-old) fish first, followed by 3+ yr-old fish. Disease was not observed in 2+ yr-old fish. The mortality pattern was chronic in nature. PCR cloning and gene-sequencing techniques were used to identify the presence of a retrovirus in the tumor. Preliminary analysis of the virus genome indicated that, within the Family Retroviridae. And a PCR diagnostic test was developed to detect proviral DNA (POL region) of SSSV in blood samples. In addition to fish held at NANFH, a separate group of Pleasant River Atlantic salmon were being held for the USFWS at a quarantine facility at a private hatchery in Maine. In November, 1998, 10 NANFH Atlantic salmon were examined. Five fish were considered moribund (external hemorrhage, white skin patches) while the other five fish were considered "normal." PCR testing identified 3/5 moribund fish as positive for proviral DNA while 0/5 of the normal fish were positive. December, 1998, sampling of NANFH included the identification of virus-positive fish for use in further studies following transport to quarantine facilities at the National Fish Health Research Laboratory. An attempt was made to select and bleed 40 fish that showed early signs of disease. These fish were identified by numbered jaw tags. PCR testing indicated that 24/40 fish in this group were PCR-positive for proviral DNA. All of the remaining Pleasant River Atlantic Salmon at NANFH were bled (for later testing) and euthanized. None of these untagged fish showed any signs of disease. The quarantine facility in which the fish were held was then disinfected. At the private hatchery, 36/76 fish were bled for testing; PCR testing indicated that 2/36 fish were PCR-positive for proviral DNA. No tumors were observed upon gross examination of these fish (n=76) during necropsy. Tests run on a sub-population of the affected fish at NANFH revealed that there was indeed a seasonality in viral expression.

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Last Modified: October 21, 2002 dwn
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Branch :	Fish Health Branch
Study Plan Number :	01072-08
Study Title :	Detection and transmission of a retrovirus disease from valuable brood stock among Atlantic salmon from the Pleasant River
Starting Date :	01/01/1999
Completion Date :	09/30/2002
Principal Investigator(s) :	Cipriano, Rocco C.
Primary PI :	Cipriano, Rocco C.
Telephone Number :	(304) 724-4432
Email Address :	rocco_cipriano@usgs.go
SIS Number :	5004635
Primary Program Element :	Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Second Program Element :	Fish and Aquatic Habitats
Status :	Completed
Abstract :	A retroviral infection hitherto referred to as Atlantic Salmon Swimbladder Sarcoma Virus (SSV) was diagnosed in adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) held in a quarantine facility at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery (NANFH), MA. The fish had been collected as 1+ and 2+ year-old fish from the Pleasant River, ME, and were to be used as brood fish in a fish population augmentation program for that river. Signs of disease were observed at the NANFH in older (4+ yr-old) fish first, followed by 3+ yr-old fish. Disease was not observed in 2+ yr-old fish. The mortality pattern was chronic in nature. PCR cloning and gene-sequencing techniques were used to identify the presence of a retrovirus in the tumor. Preliminary analysis of the virus genome indicated that, within the Family Retroviridae. And a PCR diagnostic test was developed to detect proviral DNA (POL region) of SSSV in blood samples. In addition to fish held at NANFH, a separate group of Pleasant River Atlantic salmon were being held for the USFWS at a quarantine facility at a private hatchery in Maine. In November, 1998, 10 NANFH Atlantic salmon were examined. Five fish were considered moribund (external hemorrhage, white skin patches) while the other five fish were considered "normal." PCR testing identified 3/5 moribund fish as positive for proviral DNA while 0/5 of the normal fish were positive. December, 1998, sampling of NANFH included the identification of virus-positive fish for use in further studies following transport to quarantine facilities at the National Fish Health Research Laboratory. An attempt was made to select and bleed 40 fish that showed early signs of disease. These fish were identified by numbered jaw tags. PCR testing indicated that 24/40 fish in this group were PCR-positive for proviral DNA. All of the remaining Pleasant River Atlantic Salmon at NANFH were bled (for later testing) and euthanized. None of these untagged fish showed any signs of disease. The quarantine facility in which the fish were held was then disinfected. At the private hatchery, 36/76 fish were bled for testing; PCR testing indicated that 2/36 fish were PCR-positive for proviral DNA. No tumors were observed upon gross examination of these fish (n=76) during necropsy. Tests run on a sub-population of the affected fish at NANFH revealed that there was indeed a seasonality in viral expression.
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U.S. Department of the Interior \|\| U.S. Geological Survey 11700 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA URL: http://www.lsc.usgs.gov Maintainer: lsc_webmaster@usgs.gov Last Modified: October 21, 2002 dwn Privacy Policy and Disclaimers \|\| FOIA \|\| Accessibility