Use of Biomarkers in Plasma and Faeces to Evaluate Physiological Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) During Salmonid Alphavirus Infection.

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) is the causative agent of pancreas disease (PD), a disease that can cause severe implications for marine farming of Atlantic salmon. This study examines physiological changes in Atlantic salmon during SAV infection through a controlled trial and two field trials. In the controlled trial, plasma creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) levels increased significantly 4 weeks post challenge, peaked at 8 weeks and by 12 weeks, ALAT levels returned to pre-challenge levels, while CK and ASAT remained elevated.