Salmon alphavirus

Also known as: Sleeping Disease Virus (SDV), Pancreas Disease Virus (PDV)

Salmon alphavirus (SAV) is an RNA virus of the family Togaviridae, responsible for pancreas disease and sleeping disease in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. Infected fish typically present with loss of appetite, skeletal muscle necrosis, and inflammation of pancreatic tissues. Behaviorally, fish may appear lethargic and rest on the tank bottom—hence the term “sleeping disease.” SAV has multiple subtypes, and it is widespread in European aquaculture.

Distribution: Primarily Europe
Hosts: Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout
Detection Methods: RT-PCR; histopathology
Target Tissue: Pancreas, heart, skeletal muscle