Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPN)

Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) Virus is a viral pathogen that infects salmonid fish species, such as salmon and trout.  Taxonomically, IPN virus a member of the family Birnaviridae and the genus Aquabirnavirus. It has a wide geographical spread.  Young fish are most susceptible to the disease, while adult fish can become carriers for the virus.  The virus is transmitted from one fish to another, as well as from a parent to offspring via infected eggs.  Common signs of infection can be severe, and include darkening of the body, “popeye,” visible hemorrhaging on ventral body surfaces and abnormally pale liver, spleen and kidney tissue.  IPNV does not pose a threat to human health.