| A novel genotype (IVb) of the highly pathogenic fish virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), emerged in the Great Lakes basin more than a decade ago. Over time, VHSV-IVb has spread throughout the basin, evidenced by mass mortality events involving numerous fish species. With a common goal of learning more about this emerging freshwater genotype, researchers and managers united to investigate pathogenicity, host range and the comparative susceptibility of Great Lakes fishes. However, there remains a lack of knowledge on the host immune response against VHSV-IVb and are still no approved preventative measures against this virus. This dissertation seeks to address these knowledge gaps and investigate protective measures for eliciting immunity against VHSV-IVb. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.). |
