Fish is one of our valuable sources of protein for over several thousand years. Aquaculture provides a controlled environment allowing mass cultivation of fish and shellfish. Although aqua-farms with high-density cultivation of fish and shellfish promise greater profits; however, virus outbreak threatens this system. Thus, virus screening and infection control become essential for aqua-farms in order to prevent pathogens from entering the system.

Grouper Iridovirus (GIV) is a commonly found virus in anthropods, amphibians, and fish. GIV has already infected highly valued fish in aquaculture industry, causing vast economic losses.

GIV infection is also known as the “Sleepy Grouper Disease” where the grouper would appear to be lethargic with few visible signs. Virus outbreak occurs at early stage, infection could happen from the small fry up to the adult.

Outbreak Period: Fingerlings ~ Adult
Outbreak Mortality Rate: Up to 60%
Host Range: Groupers, Cobia, Perch, food organism