Rhapdoviridae Infections in Aquarium Fish

Abstract

Aquarium ornamental pet fish constitute a significant portion of the pet industry. Thousands of marine and freshwater fish species have been domesticated as aquarium ornamental pets in many countries. When domesticating these fish, it is essential to have comprehensive knowledge, including information about diseases. This is because aquarium ornamental pet fish can carry pathogenic agents, including viral pathogens, which can pose a risk to individuals involved in the aquarium hobby. Ornamental fish are susceptible to many viral pathogens, some of which are easily identifiable, while others remain unclear. In many cases, viral infection may remain latent until adverse environmental conditions, such as poor water quality, overcrowding, or rough handling, trigger the onset of the disease. Consequently, our knowledge of the etiology of many viral pathogen diseases is limited. Rhabdoviruses, a group of RNA viruses, can affect fish and cause significant diseases in ornamental fish. It is a contagious disease, typically spreading rhapdovirough contact and water. It can be more effective under conditions of poor water quality and stress factors. A common Rhabdovirus-related disease seen in ornamental fish is Spring Viremia of Carp. This study compiles information from recent research on Rhabdovirus infections, which have caused serious economic losses, providing a resource for those interested in the subject.