| Description |
Caused by infection with any one of the 6 genotypes of the pathogenic agent Salmonid alphavirus which is an enveloped spherical single stranded RNA virus. Farmed Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout are seen to be the main reservoir of Salmonid alphavirus though other species such as Common Dab and Arctic Char are also affected. This virus affects mainly the heart and pancreas leading to either pancreatic disease or sleeping disease. Sudden drops in appetite can be observed before clinical symptoms are seen. Fish are seen swimming slowly at the top of the water but occasionally extremely weak ‘sleeping’ fish are found at the bottom or in net cages. As their outbreak progresses poor body condition scores can be observed. |
