Numerical findings on crucial viral pathogens in Rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) farms of northern Iran

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are documented as the most considerable viral pathogens in Rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of these pathogens in 65 farms with suspected clinical signs in northern Iran from March 2016 to February 2018. Logistic regression analysis used to assess the effect of several determinant factors on the occurrence of these pathogens. In total, 19 (29.23%) farms were positive by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). The frequency of VHSV, IHNV, and IPNV was reported 18.5%, 6.2%, and 4.61%, respectively. The most affected farms (78.95%) used river water. Furthermore, our results revealed that using river water raised the chances of viral disease by 5 times (OR = 5.02; P = 0.01). Correspondence M Khosravi, Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran (e-mail: mojtaba.kh.dvm@gmail.com). Thus, using river water was a risk factor for the occurrence of viral pathogens. From four weight groups (A to D); fishes in groups A (fish < 1 gr) and B (1 to 20 gr) were more affected but not statistically significant (P>0.05). This study has provided insight into the frequency of these targeted viruses. Collectively, establishing routine rapid diagnostic programs and setting up basic educational practices can be valuable to design the prevention and control strategies.