Muscular and myocardial degeneration in cultured Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., suffering from 'Hitra disease'

Abstract. In this investigation of the condition known currently as 'Hitra disease', anaemia was usually seen and transudates to the peritoneal cavity and pericardial sac were often found. Muscular and myocardial degeneration were constant features and deposits of ceroid were sometimes found in the livers. Compared to similar conditions in fish and in higher animals it is reasonable to suggest that the main cause of the disease may be related to vitamin E/selenium deficiency and diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The levels of unsaturated fatty acids in particular would appear of great importance in the formulation of diets for cultured salmon.