Rabdoviruses of pike (Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758), eel (Anguilla anguilla Linnaeus, 1758), brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758), perch (Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758) and pikeperch (Stizostedion lucioperca Linnaeus, 1758) (a review)

Purpose. Rhabdoviruses are the most abundant and widespread fish pathogens. Viruses from five genera (Sprivivirus, Perhabdovirus, Siniperhavirus, Scophrhavirus and Novirhabdovirus) of the Rhabdoviridae family infect various fish species, including cyprinids (Cypriniformes), salmonids (Salmoniformes), percids (Perciformes), flatfishes (Pleuronectidae) and eels (Anguilliformes). In the list of particularly dangerous fish diseases of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), rhabdoviruses have the most representatives, the control and monitoring of which is mandatory. Since fish rhabdoviruses are widespread in Europe, there is a potential threat for Ukrainian aquaculture, so the purpose of the review is to inform industry professionals (veterinarians, fish farmers, farm owners) about the biological risks and threats associated with this group of pathogens. Findings. The article presents data on certain fish rhabdoviruses that are not included in the WOAH list, but also pose a potential threat to freshwater aquaculture. The characteristics of rhabdoviruses infecting pike (Esox lucius), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), brown trout (Salmo trutta), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and pikeperch (Stizostedion lucioperca) are briefly described. The obvious signs of diseases caused by fish perabdoviruses and spiriviruses have been characterized, and methods of their diagnosis have been indicated. Attention is focused on such methods of virus identification as the cell culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data on the spread of perhabdoviruses in Europe and methods of their prevention in farms are given. Practical Value. Monitoring of rhabdoviruses in fish farming enterprises of Ukraine will allow determining the ecological niches of these pathogens and to identify the potential risks of epizootics both in aquaculture and in natural populations of sensitive hosts. The study of the molecular biological properties of these viruses will contribute to the improvement of their diagnostics.