Resistance of herpes channel catfish virus (HCCV) to temperature, pH, salinity and ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract

The effect of temperature, pH, salinity and ultraviolet irradiation on the infectivity of Herpes Channel Catfish Virus (HCCV) has been determined. It has been shown that the pH and the culture medium is an important factor in maintaining virus infectivity. The temperatures higher than 4 degrees C rapidly inactivate the virus while this one can be grown successfully after several months of storage at -75 degrees C and at -20 degrees C. In common with other herpesviruses, HCCV is quickly inactivated by UV irradiation. The signification of these findings on the mode of viral infection and of viral harvesting, disinfection measures and marine farming of Ictalurids is important.