Description of a new disease condition occurring in farmed coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), in South America

Abstract. High levels of mortalities have been experienced in farmed coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisuteh (Walbaum), in the Gulf of Ancud, southern Chile. Most affected fish had similar skin lesions ranging from small areas of raised scales through white raised plaques to shallow ulcers. The fish were also generally dark, lethargic and anorexic. However, some affected fish appeared grossly normal with no skin lesions. Internal pathology consisted of varying degrees of ascites, peritonitis and general pallor. Spleens were generally enlarged. Kidneys and livers were swollen and grey in colour, often with pale focal lesions. Extensive histopathology was present in affected fish with tissue necrosis, intravascular necrotic thrombi, large basophilic cells and basophilic granules, some free in the tissues, some contained within cells. The basophilic granules, known locally as the 'UA', or unidentified agent, were thought to be the main aetiological agent, and are likely to be a rickettsia-like organism.