Evidence of potential vertical transmission of tilapia lake virus

Tilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) is an emerging viral disease in tilapia with worldwide distribution. Although the horizontal transmission of TiLV has been demonstrated through the cohabitation of infected fish with susceptible fish, no direct experiment showed the potential of vertical transmission from broodstock to progeny. In this study, natural outbreaks of TiLV in broodstock and fry in two tilapia hatcheries were confirmed. The TiLV genomic RNA was detected in liver and reproductive organs of infected broodstock, while infective virus was isolated in susceptible cell line. In situ hybridization assay confirmed the presence of TiLV in the ovary and testis of naturally infected fish and experimentally challenged fish. Moreover, early detection of TiLV in 2‐day‐old fry and the presence of TiLV genomic RNA and viable virus in the testis and ovary suggested the possible transfer of this virus from infected broodstock to progenies. As infective virus was present in gonads and fry in natural outbreak and experimental fish, the importance of biosecurity and prevention of the virus to establish in the hatchery should be emphasized. Hence, the development of TiLV‐free broodstock and the maintenance of high biosecurity standards in the hatcheries are essential for any attempt of virus eradication.     

Virucidal effects of common disinfectants against tilapia lake virus

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging virus associated with high fish mortality and economic losses. This study investigates the virucidal effects of the following disinfectants (active ingredients) on TiLV: 2.5 ppm iodine, 10 ppm sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 300 ppm hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 80 ppm formalin and 5,000 ppm (0.5%) Virkon^®. Factors that affect the disinfectants’ efficacy, including temperature, contact time and soiling (organic matter) interference, were examined under conditions mimicking natural aquaculture practices. TiLV inactivation of higher than 5 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ ml^?1 was achieved after 10 min and at 28°C for all disinfectants except formalin; similar inactivation levels were reached by NaOCl and Virkon^® at 10 min and 4°C. Extended exposure to formalin from 10 to 60 min at 28°C rendered more than 5 log₁₀ inactivation. Increasing synthetic organic matter in the water to mimic soiling interference reduced the efficacy of NaOCl, iodine and H₂O₂ when tested at 10 min and 28°C; however, Virkon^® still achieved more than 5 log₁₀ inactivation. This study demonstrates that most common disinfectants effectively reduced viral loads to minimum levels. To limit the spread of TiLV in aquaculture farms and related facilities, the appropriate use of such disinfectants should therefore be promoted and implemented.