The presence of a pathogen similar to herpesvirus in a goldfish suffering from extreme haematopoietic necrosis (HPN) may suggest that the virus responsible for HPN in other cyprinids has reached the Australian goldfish population.
According to a study by Stephens, Raidal and Jones which has just been published in the Australian Veterinary Journal, the disease was isolated from a goldfish purchased in Australia. The fish, which died a month after it was purchased, developed severe necrosis of the haematopoietic tissues of the spleen, kidney and thymus, as well as epithelial gill hyperplasia.
The scientists used an electronic microscope to examine the infected tissues and found intranuclear particles similar in their morphology to herpesvirus.
More information: Stephens FJ, Raidal SR, Jones B (2004) - Haematopoietic necrosis in a goldfish (Carassius auratus) associated with an agent morphologically similar to herpesvirus. Aust Vet J. 2004 Mar ; 82(3): 167-9