Tracking a fish virus

TL;DR

ESF students battle new virus threatening fish industry on the St. Lawrence River.

Transcript

SUNY ESF students Jeffrey ecolo Nadine's and Gary are spending the summer cruising the st. Lawrence River in a battle against a new virus that threatens the multi-million dollar fishing industry they're working out of ESS Thousand Islands Biological Station located on Governors Island near the village of Clayton New York every day they and others c... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐟 VHS, a freshwater virus, threatens fish populations in the St. Lawrence River.
• 🛝 Round gobies play a role in transmitting the VHS virus among fish species.
• ❓ Conservation efforts for muskellunge are affected by the impact of VHS on their populations.
• 🧑‍🎓 ESF students and researchers are actively monitoring and studying the effects of VHS on fish populations in the river.
• 👶 The mutation of VHS from a marine form to a freshwater isolate poses new challenges for fish health.
• 👨‍🔬 More research is needed to understand the full impact and implications of the VHS virus on the fish industry.
• ✋ The presence of high viral titers in round gobies raises concerns about the spread of VHS among different fish species.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is VHS and why is it a threat to the fish industry?

VHS, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, is a freshwater virus that has mutated and affects various fish species, potentially causing significant mortality rates that could impact the fishing industry. It poses a threat due to its ability to spread rapidly among fish populations.

Q: How are ESF students monitoring the VHS virus in the St. Lawrence River?

ESF students work under the direction of Dr. John Farrell at ESS Thousand Islands Biological Station, checking 16 nets daily to survey fish populations and identify any instances of fish suffering from PHS. This monitoring helps track the spread of the virus and its impact on different species.

Q: What is the role of round gobies in the VHS virus transmission?

Round gobies are an invasive species that are carriers of the VHS virus. They play a significant role in the virus's spread among fish populations, as smallmouth bass, which consume round gobies, also get exposed to high viral levels, affecting their health and potentially leading to mortality.

Q: How has the VHS virus affected muskellunge populations in the St. Lawrence River?

The VHS virus has caused a significant decline in muskellunge numbers in the St. Lawrence River. Despite conservation efforts and habitat restoration, the arrival of VHS has led to a dramatic decrease in muskellunge populations, raising concerns about the species' survival.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• SUNY ESF students are monitoring the St. Lawrence River for the VHS virus that threatens the fishing industry.

• VHS is a freshwater virus that has mutated from a marine form, affecting fish populations.

• The virus has impacted round gobies and muskellunge, leading to concerns about the overall fish population health.