Friday, February 10, 2012


World's biggest virus found in sea off Chile
A virus found in the sea off Chile is the biggest in the world, harbouring more than 1,000 genes.
The genome of Megavirus chilensis is 6.5 percent bigger than the DNA code of the previous virus record-holder, Mimivirus, isolated in 2003. M. chilensis is such a giant that it surpasses many bacteria in size and is genetically the most complex DNA virus ever described. It was taken from seawater sample closed to the shore of Las Cruces, Chile. Its host organism is unknown. 
DNA viruses include pox viruses and herpes viruses, but M. chilensis "doesn't seem to be harmful for humans," said Jean-Michel Claverie, of France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). Like all viruses, Megavirus reproduces by invading another cell and forcing it to produce new copies of the virus.
“In the grand order of things, these viruses exist to control amoeba populations” said Professor Barry, a virus expert from the University of Newcastle’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. 
“I think it’s a very interesting discovery,” he said, adding that it was no surprise that the virus had been found in a marine environment.
“Over the last 20 to 30 years, there have been an ever increasing number of viruses found in fish,” he said.

Role of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources(NBFGR) in aquatic animal quarantine in India

  • NBFGR has been identified as the lead center for consolidating Aquatic Animal Pathogen Quarantine Information System (AAPQIS) of FAO/NACA/OIE.
  • Database on quarantine and directory of fish health workers of India are being developed
  • NBFGR has developed a 'National Plan for Aquatic Exotics and Quarantine' which has been approved by Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.
  • NBFGR had consolidated input from different stake holders for modification of livestock importation Act of 1898 to incorporate provision of quarantine of aquatic animal and sent to Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

OIE listed aquatic animal diseases 2012

Fish diseases
  1. Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis
  2. Epizootic ulcerative syndrome
  3. Infection with Gyrodactylus salaris
  4. Infectious haematopoietic necrosis
  5. Infectious salmon anaemia
  6. Koi herpesvirus disease
  7. Red sea bream iridoviral disease
  8. Spring viraemia of carp
  9. Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia
Crustacean diseases
  1. Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci)
  2. Infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis
  3. Infectious myonecrosis
  4. Necrotising hepatopancreatitis
  5. Taura syndrome
  6. White spot disease
  7. White tail disease
  8. Yellowhead disease
Mollusc diseases
  1. Infection with abalone herpes-like virus
  2. Infection with Bonamia exitiosa
  3. Infection with Bonamia ostreae
  4. Infection with Marteilia refringens
  5. Infection with Perkinsus marinus
  6. Infection with Perkinsus olseni
  7. Infection with Xenohaliotis californiensis


Fish Pathology & Microbiology

Hi friends,
This blog gives information about fish heath and its management