Fish viruses: A double-stranded RNA icosahedral virus from a North American cyprinid

A previously unreported virus disease of cultured golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) is described. The condition is called golden shiner virus (GSV) disease. The virus is icosahedral, measures approximately 70 nm, is ether and heat resistant, stable at pH 3, 7, and 10, and appears to have a double stranded RNA core. It was not neutralized by infectious pancreatic necrosis virus specific antiserum. GSV causes syncytial like cytopathic effect in fathead minnow cells but not brown bullhead, rainbow trout gonad (RTG-2) or channel catfish ovary cells. Severe mortalities in golden shiner culture ponds do not appear to be associated with GSV infections.