Experimental transmission of dermal sarcoma to the sauger Stizostedion canadense

Abstract

Walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV) has been identified as the causative agent of a benign neoplasia of walleye Stizostedion vitreum, walleye dermal sarcoma (WDS). We conducted an experimental transmission regimen to determine if WDSV is capable of inducing dermal sarcoma in the closely related sauger S. canadense. Nearly all of young-of-the-year saugers (96%) inoculated with filtrates of spring-collected tumors developed dermal sarcomas, while all of the inoculated walleyes developed tumors. Most of the sauger tumors were limited to the skin, but invasive tumors, similar to those previously observed in experimental walleyes, were observed in some fish.