WFRC scientists, Spokane fish health scientist and Spokane Tribal intern conduct virus exposures in the WFRC Seattle web lab

Dr. Gael Kurath, Joanne Salzer and Bill Batts joining Spokane fish health scientist Rebecca Cook and Spokane Tribal intern Justine Flett to conduct virus exposures in the WFRC Seattle weblab. Our scientists are collaborating with the fisheries staff from Spokane and Coeur d'Alene Tribes in a study to determine how susceptible Redband trout are to IHN virus (infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus). Wild-caught juvenile Redband trout are being tested by exposure to 3 strains of IHNV that are the most common types in the Columbia River Basin. This includes the M group strains that cause severe disease in rainbow and steelhead trout. Information gained will be used by the tribes in decisions regarding passage of adult anadromous fish above Grand Coulee Dam.