Virulence Mechanisms, Detection and Control of Aquatic Animal Viruses: 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture is now the main source of seafood for human consumption and is projected to rise to 62% by 2030 as catches from wild capture fisheries continue to be flat for the foreseeable future. The fast growth of intensive aquaculture in the last 4 decades has been accompanied by the emergence of aquatic animal viruses that impose severe economic losses on the aquaculture industry. This is inherent in farming a large number of animal species in the aquatic environment that may be a viral reservoir, and particularly in marine aquaculture, where the farmer has less control of the system. Several strategies are used to ensure the sustainability of this industry, including improved biocontainment systems, improved biosecurity, implementation of diagnostic tools and surveillance programs for the early detection of virus infections, the use of efficacious viral vaccines in finfish aquaculture, the selection and breeding of disease resistant strains, and the use of immunostimulants, probiotics/prebiotics/symbiotics, and other novel control technologies (e.g., RNA interference, RNAi) where vaccination is not as effective, such as in crustacean and mollusk aquaculture. These strategies have been supported by the development of reverse genetic systems of aquatic animal RNA viruses, allowing for the genetic manipulation of viral genomes, which has facilitated the identification of virulence factors (i.e., gene products that influence high virulence of aquatic animal viruses) and development of improved diagnostics and vaccines. Moreover, viral metagenomic studies have considerably broadened our understanding of virus evolution, placing viral disease emergence in a broader evolutionary context. 

This Special Issue of Pathogens aims to cover the broad spectrum of recent advances in research on virulence mechanisms and the detection, prevention, and control of aquatic animal viruses. Our purpose is to compile a body of work identifying virulence mechanisms in aquatic animal viruses with the aim of improving strategies for the detection, prevention, and control of aquatic animal viruses in order to mitigate the risk of the rapid spread of viruses and development of clinical disease so to stem the tide of emerging aquatic animal viruses. We therefore encourage the submission of review articles, full-length original research articles or short communications, or a commentary covering any aspect of these topics. Articles on virus evolution will also be considered. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions that will promote further developments in this field.

I am honored and delighted to continue to guest-edit this Special Issue and thank you for your anticipated contribution.

Prof. Dr. Frederick Kibenge
Guest Editor

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