Renibacterium salmoninarum

ALSO KNOWN AS: BKD, White Boil Disease, Dee Disease, Salmonid Kidney Disease, Corynebacterial Kidney Disease, Renibacterium

Renibacterium salmoninarum causes Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD), a chronic systemic infection primarily affecting salmonid fish. The disease is characterized by off-white lesions in the kidney, which can spread to other organs, leading to severe systemic infections and high mortality rates. Transmission occurs through infected eggs and direct contact between fish, particularly during spawning.

Distribution: Found in temperate regions where susceptible salmonids exist.

Hosts: Salmon, trout, and some non-salmonid fish species.

Detection Methods: PCR – unspecified.