Also called DGIV, megalocytivirus infection, ISKNV(-like) infection
Rules and reporting. US: ISKNV and TRBIV megalocytiviruses are not currently reportable (red sea bream iridovirus is). Australia: ISKNV-like viruses are treated as exotic; suspected cases are to be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline (1800 675 888).
A megalocytivirus (family Iridoviridae), closely related or identical to infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). Found often in dwarf gouramis traded from Asia (22% of diseased gouramis in Sydney aquarium shops in one survey). Other ornamental fish (angelfish, oscars, guppies, mollies) can also carry it. No effective drug.
No treatment for the virus. Isolate or remove affected fish; antibiotics only help secondary bacterial infections.
If a fish is badly ill, talk to an aquatic vet.
Buy from sources with good health status and quarantine; minimise stress and crowding. Some fish carry the virus with no signs, and it spreads through water, contact and eating infected fish, so quarantine cannot fully rule it out.
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1 species
