Viral survey of fathead minnows, golden shiners, and white suckers form baitfish dealers in Wisconsin

Abstract

Fathead minnows, golden shiners, white suckers, and other species of baitfish were sampled to determine the presence of target and unknown viruses. All fish sampled were obtained from four Wisconsin baitfish dealers and included imported, cultured, and wildharvested baitfish. A total of 4,318 fish comprising 82 distinct lots were tested. A lot consisted of 60 fish of the same species that shared a common water source. One or more viruses were detected in 44% of the lots tested (36 of 82 lots). There were 39 total virus isolations. The viruses isolated included: Golden Shiner Virus, Fathead Minnow Nidovirus, and 15 unknown viruses.