Species which may act as vectors or reservoirs of diseases covered by the Animal Health Law: Listed pathogens of fish

Vector or reservoir species of five fish diseases listed in the Animal Health Law were identified, based on evidence generated through an extensive literature review (ELR), to support a possible updating of Regulation (EU) 2018/1882. Fish species on or in which highly polymorphic region-deleted infectious salmon anaemia virus (HPR∆ ISAV), Koi herpes virus (KHV), epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV), infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) or viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) were detected, in the field or during experiments, were classified as reservoir species with different levels of certainty depending on the diagnostic tests used. Where experimental evidence indicated transmission of the pathogen from a studied species to another known susceptible species, the studied species was classified as a vector species. Although the quantification of the risk of spread of the pathogens by the vectors or reservoir species was not part of the terms or reference, such risks do exist for the vector species, since transmission from infected vector species to susceptible species was proven. Where evidence for transmission from infected fish was not found, these were defined as reservoirs. Nonetheless, the risk of the spread of the pathogens from infected reservoir species cannot be excluded. Evidence identifying conditions that may prevent transmission by vectors or reservoir fish species during transport was collected from scientific literature. For VHSV, IHNV or HPR∆ ISAV, it was concluded that under transport conditions at temperatures below 25°C, it is likely (66–90%) they will remain infective. Therefore, vector or reservoir species that may have been exposed to these pathogens in an affected area in the wild, aquaculture establishments or through water supply can possibly transmit VHSV, IHNV or HPR∆ ISAV into a non-affected area when transported at a temperature below 25°C. The conclusion was the same for EHN and KHV; however, they are likely to remain infective under all transport temperatures.

Keyword(s)

Vector, Reservoir, highly polymorphic region-deleted infectious salmon anaemia virus, Koi herpes virus, cyprinid herpesvirus-3, epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus, infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus

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Efsa Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (ahaw) , Nielsen Søren Saxmose, Alvarez Julio, Bicout Dominique, Calistri Paolo, Canali Elisabetta, Drewe Julian Ashley, Garin‐bastuji Bruno, Gonzales Rojas José Louis, Smith Christian Gortazar, Herskin Mette, Michel Virginie, Miranda Chueca Miguel Angel, Padalino Barbara, Spoolder Hans, Ståhl Karl, Velarde Antonio, Viltrop Arvo, Winckler Christoph, Arzul Isabelle, Dharmaveer Shetty, Olesen Niels Jørgen, Schiøtt Morten, Sindre Hilde, Stone David, Vendramin Niccoló, Aires Mariana, Asensio Inmaculada Aznar, Antoniou Sotiria‐Eleni, Barizzone Fulvio, Dhollander Sofie, Gnocchi Marzia, Karagianni Anna Eleonora, Kero Linnea Lindgren, Munoz Guajardo Irene Pilar, Rusina Alessia, Roberts Helen (2023). Species which may act as vectors or reservoirs of diseases covered by the Animal Health Law: Listed pathogens of fish. EFSA Journal. 21 (8). e08174 (45p.). https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8174, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00876/98756/

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