Viral diseases

Virus – ultramicroscopic organisms with size ranges of 10-300 nanomicrons. An

electron microscope is required to visualize viruses. Initially, attach on specific cell
surface components and penetrates the cell and replicates itself using the metabolic
machinery and pathways of the living cell.

No treatment for viral infections. Primary consideration is avoidance. – Use of

virus-free fry for stocking is recommended. Importation of fry and fingerlings is
discouraged because they are potential carriers of viral pathogens. Proper hygiene
procedures and reduction of stress to stock can minimize occurrence of the disease

DIAGNOSIS – gross signs of the disease, detection of occlusion bodies, electron

microscopy or infection enhancement bioassay. Recent molecular biology
techniques PCR (polymerase chain reaction), RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription),
DNA Probe have been developed and applied for disease diagnosis.

Viral Infections in Fish

1.Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) – attributed to a combination of
rhabdovirus, bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila and fungus Aphanomyces invadans.
Characterized by severe ulcerative, dermal necrosis exposing the underlying
musculature, which may be hemorrhagic. Fish with less severe lesions exhibit scale
loss with erosion of the skin surface

2.Spinning Tilapia Syndrome – caused by iridovirus

Affected tilapia fry and fingerlings swim is a spiral pattern, sink to the bottom then
rise and hang at a 450 angle just under the water surface, gasping for air. They do
not feed and are darker in color. Mortalities occur within 24 hrs of onset of disease.

3.Viral Nervous Necrosis – caused by nodavirus

Affected larvae and juveniles show lethargy, pale color, loss of appetite, anorexia,
loss of equilibrium and corkscrew swimming. Some fish sink to the bottom then
float to the surface again. Diseased fish had pale liver, empty digestive tract,
intestines filled greenish to brownish fluid and the spleens are red-spotted.

Viral Infections in Penaeid Shrimps

1.White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) Disease – caused by baculovirus
Distinct white cuticular spots the exoskeleton and epidermis of diseased shrimps.
Red discoloration and loose cuticle. Manifest surface swimming and gathering near
pond dikes.
2.Yellow Head Virus (YHV) Disease – caused by rhabdovirus
Infected shrimps show light-yellowish, swollen cephalothorax. The gills appear
whitish, yellowish or brown. Occurrence has been associated with dense unstable
phytoplankton bloom, bad pond bottom, high stocking density or exposure to
pesticides.

3.Monodon baculovirus (MBV) Disease – caused by baculovirus

Affected shrimp exhibit pale-bluish-gray to dark blue-black coloration, sluggish
and inactive swimming movements and loss of appetite. Infected shrimps manifest
yellow to reddish brown hepatopancreas. No Treatment.

4.Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Virus (IHHNV) Disease – caused by

Picornavirus
Infected shrimps show erratic swimming behavior, rising slowly to the water
surface, hanging and rolling over until the ventral side is up, eventually the animal
sinks to the bottom. Shrimps would eventually right themselves up, become weak
and lose their appetite for food. They (usually) repeat the process of rising to the
surface and sinking until they die usually within 4-12 h. Diseased shrimps develop
white opaque abdominal muscles with bluish cuticular color. Larval shrimp are
latently affected. Control: Avoid IHHNV, destroy infected individuals. No
treatment.

5.Hepatopancreatic Parvo-like Virus (HPV) Disease – caused by parvovirus

Virus cause hypertrophy of hepatopancreatic nucleus leading to cell death. This
causes the shrinkage of hepatopancreas resulting to abnormal metabolism and
eventual death. Affected shrimps develop loss of appetite and retarded growth.
Occassionally, white opaque areas on the tail and abdominal muscles are observed.
Control: Use HPV-free stock, destroy infected individuals. No treatment.