The disease status of Australian salmonids: viruses and viral diseases

Abstract

Abstract. Eleven freshwater salmonid hatcheries in southern Australia were surveyed for the presence of viruses and viral diseases. Tissues from a total of 6025 fish of five salmonid species were cultured for viruses on RTG‐2, BF‐2 and FHM cell lines. No viruses were detected. The study strongly suggests that Australian salmonid populations are free of the cytopathic salmonid viruses. This virus‐free status is of economic significance for the production and export of ova and other salmonid products, and deserves stringent quarantine protection.