Abstract
Channel catfish virus (CCV) causes a severe hemorrhagic disease in channel catfish fry and fingerlings. CCV epizootics are associated with elevated water temperatures and high mortality rates. Survivors of acute disease are latently infected with i virus. In this study, we investigated conditions effecting CCV pathogenesis and latency utilizing an experimental immersion model to simulate natural infection and a population of Arkansas catfish verified to have no prior CCV exposure, the results indicate that the Auburn- 1 laboratory strain is comparable to CCV field isolates in virulence and ability to establish latent infection. The study confirms that water temperature and fish age effect susceptibility to acute infection. Twenty-four week old fish were more susceptible to acute CCV infection at 28° C than at 24° C. Eight week old fish were susceptible to ease at 24° C and 28° C. Yearling catfish, although more resistant to acute disease, were susceptible to latent CCV infection. 2V latency was established as early as 27 days following experimental infection and maintained for at least one year post infection. The CCV infection model described in this report is useful for further investigation of CCV pathogenesis and latency and for evaluation of potential antiviral therapies.
Recommended Citation
Stingley, Robin L.; Gray, Wayne L.; Griffin, Billy R.; and Landes, Reid
(2003)
"Experimental Channel Catfish Virus Infection Mimics Natural Infection of Channel Catfish,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 57, Article 25.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol57/iss1/25
