Recombinant ISA Virus Vaccine

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: ISA virus, an unclassified Orthomyxoviridae is an emerging pathogen associated with disease in farmed Atlantic salmon. Losses incurred in Maine due to ISA alone in 2002 are estimated to be over $12 million (US). In response to the threat, salmon producers have stated that an ISAV vaccine is needed. The ultimate success of the project will be the construction of a safe, efficacious, recombinant ISA virus vaccine. Evaluation of vaccine efficacy will involve assessing the humoral immune response post-vaccination and post-challenge, measuring virus clearance post-challenge and determining the relative percent survival in vaccinated fish post-challenge. An efficacious ISAV vaccine would provide a disease management tool that in combination with good fish health practices would ensure the sustainability of the salmon aquaculture industry in North America. The vaccine could also form an integral component of adaptive management strategies for the protection and recovery of endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine.