Mangaluru: Asian sea bass infected with a new viral disease detected

Mangaluru: Pathologists from the Aquatic Animal Health Management (AAHM) department of College of Fisheries, Mangaluru have discovered the Red Sea Bream Iridovirus (RSIV) in the Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fishes from Indian waters for the first time. Fishes with this virus were first found in cultured Red seabream from Japan. Dean Dr. Senthil from the College said that fish farmers from Udupi district had informed him about certain fishes grown in cages showing slow, erratic movement with reduced feeding. Experts from the College then collected samples and on analysis found them to be infected by RSIV. The virus affects heart, kidney, intestine spleen, and gill of infected fishes. More than thirty varieties including the species such as Grouper fish, Sea bass and Red sea bream are highly vulnerable to this virus. Fisherman and fish farm owners can call 0842-2246384 if they find any symptoms of the RSIV among their batch.