Abstract

Viral encephalo-retinopathy of cultured sea bass : first detection in Italy

Bovo, G., Borghesan, F., Mutinelli, F., Montesi, F. & Comuzzie, M.
Boll. Soc. It. Patol. Ittica
19
52-64
1996
During summer 1995 in a few marine aquaculture facilities severe mortality outbreaks affecting mostly sea bass( Dicentrarchus labrax )have been reported. Juveniles and adults diseased fishes show abnormal swimming behaviour. No external significative lesions other than in a few cases characterised by mandibular skin traumatic lesions have been observed. Anatomo-pathological examinations failed to detect gross signs, just in a few specimen swim bladder hyperinflation occurred. Viral encephalo-retinopathy diagnosis has been confirmed by histology, electron microscope, IFAT, and more recently immunohistochemistry which detected in the CNS of selected fish the presence of common antigens to fish nodavirus genus. Authors underline the risk of extreme spread of the disease and stress the importance of specific control measures.
Cambridge Scientific Abstracts