Atlantic Salmon Show Possible Longtime Exposure to Virus

"Atlantic salmon in two New England rivers may have been exposed to a salmon virus as early as 1995, according to scientists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. The first indication of infectious salmon anemia virus in sea-run fish in this country was previously thought to be in 2001 when viral material was found in a Penobscot River salmon in Maine. The same year, the state of Maine reported the first confirmed case of ISAv in the United States in an aquaculture sea-pen salmon.

" 'Our hatchery fish have not been infected with ISAv, but we remain concerned that the virus can be destructive under the right conditions,” said the Service’s Northeast Regional Director Marvin E. Moriarty. “ISAv poses a threat to Atlantic salmon restoration in New England and the recovery of endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine.'

"... Moriarty said that the Service is exploring options for expanding disease screening already at their Craig Brook hatchery to other Service facilities. This could include additional quarantine and isolation of incoming fish."

This June 10, 2004, news release can be viewed in its entirety at http://news.fws.gov/NewsReleases/R5/0F638EF9-65B8-D693-763E6B5527135C85.html

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Questions and answers about infectious salmon anemia virus.

Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus, a U.S. Geological Survey leaflet (downloadable portable document file, 131KB)