Question

An emerging virus associated with high mortality in cultured tilapia

• A. IPNV
• B. TiLV
• C. KHV
• D. HPV

Hint:

TiLV is a "Biosecurity Concern" for tilapia farming worldwide. In India, its presence has been confirmed, and it is a notified disease. Always link TiLV specifically to Tilapia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific emerging viral pathogen that has caused significant economic losses and high mortality rates in tilapia aquaculture globally in recent years.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• TiLV (Tilapia Lake Virus): This is an emerging RNA virus (part of the family Amnoonviridae) that specifically targets tilapia species, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and hybrid tilapias. It was first reported around 2014 and has since spread to several countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. Mortality rates can reach up to 90%. Symptoms include skin erosions, ocular (eye) abnormalities, and internal organ damage.

• IPNV (Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus): This virus primarily affects salmonid fishes (trout and salmon). While it is a significant pathogen in coldwater fisheries, it is not the primary emerging virus for tilapia.

• KHV (Koi Herpesvirus): This virus causes massive mortality in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Koi carp. It is highly contagious but is host-specific to the carp family and does not typically affect tilapia.

• HPV (Hepatopancreatic Parvovirus): This is a virus that affects crustaceans, particularly marine prawns (shrimp), causing stunting and some mortality, but it is not a fish virus.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The emerging virus associated with high mortality in tilapia is TiLV.