An Oregon State University scientist and partners borrowed
technology from the Human Genome Project to more clearly identify the
genes used by a type of water mold that attacks fish and causes millions
of dollars in losses to the aquaculture industry each year.
Researchers compared the fish and plant pathogens to clearly identify
the genes involved. By better understanding how these pathogens invade
animals, the aquaculture industry can develop more effective control
methods, such as improved vaccines and fungicides, researchers said.
The water mold belongs to a group of more than 500 species of
fungus-like microorganisms called 'oomycetes' that reproduce both
sexually and asexually. Oomycetes, close relatives of seaweeds such as
kelp, are serious pathogens of salmon and other fish. This is a
particular problem in regions of the world where trout and salmon are
raised, including the Pacific Northwest, Scotland and Chile.
The Virology Journal has published a report into Piscine Reovirus (RPV). The recently discovered virus is ubiquitous among fish on Norwegian salmon farms and is the likely cause of heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI).
HSMI has can significant economic consequences on Atlantic salmon farms. The nucleotide sequence data available for PRV are limited, and there is
no genetic information on this virus outside of Norway and none from wild fish.
The research concluded that PRV represents a new genus in family Reoviridae and its genome segment S1 sequences group it into two separate sub-genotypes.
UK seahorses are in danger of dying out reports the Telegraph. The habitat of Britain's largest seahorse colony in Studland Bay is being destroyed by boats anchoring in the eel-grass.
According to the Seahorse Trust, five years ago marine experts recorded 40 individual spiny seahorses at
Studland and one pair of the short-snouted species. However, since then numbers have fallen steadily, with only five spotted 12
months ago and none at all this year.
The September/October 2013 issue of International Aquafeed will include a feature on diets for seahorses.
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| Water mold (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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