Encephalomyelitis among turbot associated with a picornavirus-like agent

Abstract

An outbreak of encephalomyelitis among larval turbot ScophthaLmus maximus caused very heavy mortalities.Bacteriological findings were very unspecific, and parasites were not observed.By electron microscopy large numbers of virus particles were found in the brain and medulla of the diseased fish.Based on the size of the particles and their position in the cytoplasm of the infected cells it is suggested that the particles belong to the picomaviridae.The neurotropic character of the disease further suggests that the virus might be an enterovirus.