Iridovirus is a double stranded DNA virus of the Irdoviridae family. The main pathogen is the Megalocytivirus. This is further composed of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) and red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV). Iridovirus can also cause immunosuppression, which makes fish susceptible to other diseases.
There are several methods for diagnosing an iridovirus infection. One should look for typical clinical signs that include lethargy, anorexia, pale liver, enlarged spleen and white faeces.
It is important to follow up with a confirmatory lab diagnosis via PCR and/or histopathology to correctly diagnose Iridovirus.
Depopulating infected fish, increasing biosecurity standards and applying routine vaccinations are key components in controlling the spread of Iridovirus and preventing an outbreak.
Prevention of exposure, together with the adoption of rapid and accurate diagnostic technologies, remains the most effective method for controlling diseases caused by Megalocytivirus.
Due to this disease being viral, antibiotic treatment is ineffective.
This inactivated viral vaccine is given as an injection into the intra-peritoneal cavity of the fish. With long-term protection and minimum side effects, it is available in a monovalent formulation and can be combined with other AQUAVAC vaccines.
If you’d like to find out more about how AQUAVAC® can help improve the health of your stock and maximize the productivity of your farm, get in touch with MSD Animal Health today.
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