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Atlantic salmon breathing systems work normally, even when carrying heavy orthoreovirus pool (GRP) loads, according to research from the University of British Columbia (UBC).
The results of the study are in line with a reduction of uncertainties about the potential of infected Atlantic salmon living in marine enclosures to affect migrating Pacific wild salmon, said researchers.
"In addition to none of the sublethal effects of a" generalized "PRV infection, none of our fish died and none developed serious heart inflammation. These data show that the risk of problems in British Columbia is minimal. strain of PRV to B.C. farmed Atlantic salmon, "said Tony Farrell, a professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Earth and Food Sciences and principal investigator of the research team.
PRV is common in farmed Atlantic salmon on the west coast of Canada, while various strains of PRV have been detected in many salmonid species around the world.
It replicates in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body of the salmon and may be badociated with heart inflammation.
Scientists were concerned that the PRV infection would impede the ability of salmon to reach the spawning grounds, which could have disastrous consequences for the decline of salmon populations.
High dosage
Researchers, supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada funds, conducted a 21-week experiment on groups of juvenile Atlantic salmon from a commercial hatchery on Vancouver Island and recently transferred to the Vancouver Island area. 39 seawater.
One group was injected with a dose of PRV high enough to represent the worst case of infection.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia used respirometry, similar to the VO2 max test conducted by high-performance athletes, to measure the efficiency with which oxygen was absorbed and transported by the cardiorespiratory system. some salmon.
They also measured 13 other indicators, such as the ability of fish to recover from their effort, whether they are installed or active in the test chamber and their ability to perform anaerobic tasks.
They found no physiological difference between the infected fish and the other fish in the control group, a finding that highlights the distinction between prevalent and virulent viruses.
Prevalence refers to the extent to which a virus is prevalent in a population; virulence refers to the damage it causes.
Although most people equate viral infection with illness, in the case of Atlantic salmon farming in British Columbia, one does not necessarily lead to the other, researchers said.
Similar results have also been observed in sockeye trials, which are currently being compiled.
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