Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects fish, particularly young salmonids such as salmon and trout. It belongs to the family Birnaviridae and is classified as an aquatic Orthoreovirus.
The virus is responsible for causing infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), a deadly disease that primarily affects the pancreas and other vital organs of fish. IPNV can lead to severe damages in the fish's pancreatic tissues, resulting in a range of clinical symptoms such as reduced appetite, lethargy, darkened coloration, and swollen abdomen. In severe cases, infected fish may experience extensive necrosis (cell death) in various organs, leading to mortality rates of up to 90% in susceptible populations.
IPNV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected fish, contaminated water, or through ingestion of infected carcasses or fecal matter. The virus can also be vertically transmitted from infected parent fish to their offspring.
Efforts to control and prevent the spread of IPNV include strict biosecurity measures, such as quarantine protocols, disinfection of equipment, and the use of vaccines, where available. Vaccination has shown some efficacy in reducing the severity of IPN outbreaks, particularly in salmonid aquaculture.
Given its highly contagious nature and devastating effects on fish populations, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus is a considerable concern for aquaculture operations and wild fisheries worldwide, necessitating ongoing research and surveillance to minimize its impact on fish health and industry sustainability.
