Current Knowledge on Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) and its Causative Betanodaviruses

Abstract

Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) caused by betanodaviruses (Nodaviridae) has seriously damaged global marine aquaculture since its first appearance in the late 1980s. In the past two decades, more than 100 papers have been published on the dis- ease. Although information is still limited, we now have more knowledge on the taxonomic position and molecular characteristics of betanodaviruses, and on the diagnosis, control, and infection mechanisms of the disease. This paper briefly reviews studies on VNN and betanodaviruses.