Further spread of perch rhabdovirus on European percid farms

Abstract

Variants of perch rhabdovirus (PRV) circulate across European percid farms via the fish trade. To trace their circulation, they are usually isolated by cell culture and subsequently identified genetically by sequencing partial or complete genes. Here, a newly developed nested PCR‐based method was used to amplify and sequence the complete N and P genes directly from clinical samples obtained during an outbreak on a farm as well as from four batches of fish sampled from two other farms in another country. In an attempt to trace the origin of the five detected viruses, their N and P sequences were concatenated and compared with related viruses. One virus found in pike‐perch was highly related to a virus isolated in 2016 in Belgium. Two other viruses detected on a single farm were distinct from one another, with one being almost identical to another virus isolated in 2016 in Belgium and the other being more closely related to a subgroup with different origins, France and Belgium. Two other viruses found in perch from a third farm were identical and were more related to a subgroup of viruses isolated in France. Identifying variants by a direct PCR approach will help to prevent further dissemination in farms.

Unlocking the genome of perch – From genes to ecology and back again

“…It is estimated that perch can be infected by close to 150 parasites belonging to myxozoan, protozoan and metazoan groups (Craig, 2000; Craig et al, 2015). However, the actual number of pathogens in perch is most likely greater due to the widespread underreporting of viruses, bacteria and fungi (Becker et al, 2016; Caruso et al, 2019; Garver et al, 2018; Hierweger et al, 2021; Kashinskaya et al, 2020; Langdon et al, 1986; Marsh et al, 2002; Pallandre et al, 2022; Ruane et al, 2014; Wahli et al, 2015). As perch is regularly a target species in biomonitoring projects (e.g., HELCOM, 2018b) and an abundant fish throughout most of its range, cross‐sectional parasitological studies have a long history and data are available for many habitats and geographical localities (Andersen, 1978; Andrews, 1979; Balling & Pfeiffer, 1997; Juhásová et al, 2019; Morley et al, 2008; Morozinska‐Gogol, 2013; Nikolic & Simonovic, 1996; Rolbiecki et al, 2002; Shukerova et al, 2010; Sobecka & Słomińska, 2007; Tuuha et al, 1992; Wierzbicka et al, 2005; Wierzbicki, 1970).…”