Isolation of Tasmanian Rickettsia-like organism (RLO) from farmed salmonids: identification of multiple serotypes and confirmation of pathogenicity

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

This project was supported by funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on behalf of the Australian Government, the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers' Association (TSGA) and the State Government of Tasmania through the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. We thank Pheroze Jungalwalla and Dr. Adam Main (TSGA) for their support of this project. We also thank the following DPIPWE staff: Kevin Ellard and Robert Chandler for their assistance with field work through the Tasmanian Salmonid Health Surveillance Program (TSHSP), Dr. Marianne Douglas and Susan Renilson (molecular diagnostics), Rebecca Wilkes (media preparation), and Dane Hayes, Catherine Marshall and Belinda Jones (histology and IHC). All farms gave generous access to fish for samples. Special mention goes to Dr. Steve Percival (Huon Aquaculture Co.), David Kiemele (Tassal Ltd.), Lance Hubbert (Tassal Ltd.) and Mick Hortle (Van Diemen Aquaculture) for providing assistance with field work in addition to the TSHSP sampling.