MEETING MINUTES OF PACIFIC NORTHWEST FISH HEALTH PROTECTION COMMITTEE Condensed and Paraphrased 57th Meeting September 21-22, 2011 Federal Building Portland, OR The 57th regular Pacific Northwest Fish Health Protection Committee meeting began approximately 8:00 AM on Wednesday September 21, 2011. Chair, John Thorpe, called the meeting to order, welcomed the attendees, and asked those in attendance for introductions. Members in attendance: Tony Amandi, ODFW Path Rep Bruce Stewart, NWIFC Path Rep John Kerwin, Executive Secretary Scott LaPatra, Clear Spgs. Foods, Path Rep Ted Meyers, ADFG, Path Rep.

Rich Johnson, USFWS Admin Rep. John Thorpe, ODFW Admin Rep and Chair Phil Mamer, Idaho F&G, Path Rep Marilyn “Guppy” Blair, USFWS Path Rep Ken Stagmiller – Montana Fish, Game and Parks

Observers and guests: Mark Higgins – DFO, Canada Sherry Mead – Freshwater Society of British Columbia Rachel Life – USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, WA Joy Evered – USFWS Olympia Ray Brunson – Retired PNFHPC Executive Secretary Jeff Heindel – IDF&G Ken Cain – University of Idaho Jim Bowker -USFWS Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Following a brief welcome and information about the site of the meeting, the Chair called for introductions of members and guests present. The Chair then asked for any additions or changes to the agenda as proposed. None were proposed. The Chair then asked the members to review the minutes of the last meeting. No changes were proposed and the minutes were approved as submitted. There was a brief discussion the PNFHPC assisting in the steady funding of the Western Fish Disease Conference. There was a concurrence by members that this should be continued. The balance on hand is healthy.

International Egg Imports into the Pacific Northwest – John Kerwin, WDFW John Kerwin provided a handout of some recent rainbow trout egg imports from Denmark and led a discussion on concerns WDFW has with the consistency of how these types of imports are handled across the region. WDFW requires the eggs go into an approved quarantine facility and be screened for viral pathogens at the 2% APPL at swim up and again 30 days after swim up. Other states do not require this type of testing. Scott LaPatra was concerned that this is being too critical of a non-issue. Mark Higgins provided a handout of British Columbia‟s policy. There was a good discussion on the different body characteristics and morphology between Clears Springs rainbow trout stocks and those rainbow trout (eggs) supplied by TroutEx. WDFW has specific import requirements in statute and can insist on stricter testing than required by Title 50. ODFW has similar regulations to those of WDFW. There was a healthy discussion between many individuals as to state and provincial specific requirements. It was suggested that the states might want to have stricter requirements than Title 50. BCWD Vaccine Development – Ken Cain, University of Idaho Ken gave a presentation about the development by the University of Idaho and Aquatic Life Sciences of a BCWD vaccine they hope to license for use in the United States. They have looked at specific proteins that could be promising for the vaccine development. They have conducted field trials with Chris Wilson (Utah Fish and Game) at the Glenwood State Fish Hatchery. The protocol is for the vaccine to be applied by immersion then followed with a booster at 14 days. The trials are designed to demonstrate both the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. There is the need to conduct replicate studies at other facilities. As a part of the arrangement, Aquatic Life Sciences will have the first option to license the vaccine from University of Idaho. To date they have not looked at broodstock immunization. There was some concern expressed that the problems Utah has with BCWD is because the trout strains they presently use are highly susceptible. Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) “M” vs. “U” Genotypes – Scott LaPatra Scott provided as presentation on the background differential replication of IHNV on RTG-II cell line. The U genotype is specific to sockeye while the M genotype is species specific to O. mykiss. He used 2 cell lines (EPC and RTG II) and demonstrated that the M genotype would replicate on both cell lines while the U genotype would only replicate on the EPC cell line. From a plaque assay perspective you may be able to rapidly differentiate between the different

genotypes based on cell line replication of the virus. Update on IHNV Genetic Typing Project – Rachel Life, USGS New information has been developed that implicates Chinook salmon involvement in the spread of IHNV-MD. The IHNV database being developed is a subset of positive isolates and does not take into account negatives. Rachel provided a detailed report of emergence and displacement events of the multiple variants of IHNv in the Columbia River basin and Washington‟s Olympic Peninsula coast. They are now finding the U genogroup virus from both chinook and steelhead in the Columbia River basin that are significantly distinct from sockeye isolated U genogroup isolates. She is working on a full genome analysis that may lead to additional insight of the mechanisms behind the Olympic Peninsula incursions of IHNV. AADAP Workshop Update – Tom Bell, AADAP USFWS Tom provided a handout and led a discussion on the several drugs currently moving forward for licensing or involved in the INAD program. Those summaries included: (1) Aquaflor INAD to treat BCWD at 15 mg/kg; (2) Chloramine-T (human food safety Technical Section is now complete); (3) SLICE; AQUIS-20E (anesthetic): LHRHa (there may be a new player in the mix for the registration). He outlined the “listening session” that occurred between USFWS-AADAP and USDA-CVM and the AADAP workshop held in August 2011. He also demonstrated the usefulness of the newly released “Desk Reference Guide to: Approved Drugs for Use in Aquaculture”. Short Reports: The following individuals provided verbal reports on pathogens of concern, status of facilities and staff, and any measures or studies undertaken for disease control for the period of July through June 2011. Reports are included as written within the meeting handouts. The highlights and additional comments are as follows: Northwest Indian Fish Commission – Bruce Stewart The number one concern continues to be IHNV detections along the Washington‟s Olympic Peninsula river systems. IHNV has been detected in 3 watersheds (Ozette, Queets, and Quinault). The IHNV isolated sockeye from Lake Ozette were of the U genogroup while the IHNV isolated from steelhead in the Lake Quinault were the M genogroup. The steelhead isolate from the Queets is pending. Alaska Fish and Game – Ted Meyers BKD was isolated in coho from the Wally Norenberg Hatchery. The juveniles were fed erythromycin per INAD protocols to control the epidemic.

In Prince William Sound, herring surveys that are conducted annually in the spring showed no evidence of VHSV. Since the Valdez oil spill, the herring populations have not yet returned to historic abundance levels. Mushy halibut syndrome – In Cook Inlet the halibut being harvested have what is described as a mushy halibut syndrome. The small fish look emaciated and the filets are translucent. Normally these fish feed on forage fish but now appear to be feeding on crabs. This is different than what commercial fishers call chalky halibut. Chalky halibut is believed to be caused by a build-up of lactic acid in the flesh due to the fish being on a hook/long line for a long time and struggling until they are harvested. California Department of Fish and Game – not present but short report included in book. Clear Springs Foods – Scott LaPatra For the past four years BCWD has not been an issue. More recently, environmental/bacterial gill and external myxobacteriosis are the most prevalent diseases in Clear Springs rainbow trout. The effects of the selective breeding program are being followed closely. CSF has a dual selection program whereby individual rainbow trout families are evaluated for their survivability to BCWD and IHNV. Those families with the greatest survival are kept in the program. The Ground Water districts are purchasing water rights from neighboring aquaculture facilities. To date over 400 cfs of water rights has been purchased. Homeland Security has required CSF to fill out a risk analysis and site security plan for H2O2 and KMnO4. They are concerned that the chemicals could be stolen and converted into bombs. Fisheries and Oceans – Mark Higgins A great deal of time and effort has been spent on providing information for the Cohen Commission hearings on the decline of the 2009 Fraser River sockeye returns. Idaho Fish and Game – Phil Mamer IDF&G is just starting to comply with Homeland Security requirements. All facilities with New Zealand mud snails in their water supply have completed HACCP‟s and applied for permits from Idaho State Department of Agriculture. NPDES – they are having issues on the use of specific chemicals and meeting requirements of the national EPA NPDES permit. The Western Fish Disease Workshop continuing education subject will be nutrition. There was a general discussion over feed concerns. IDF&G has had some bad batches of feed.

Montana Fish Game and Parks – Ken Stagmiller Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent for Whirling Disease is now no longer MFG&P‟s number one concern. They will transition out of the live cage business over the next couple of years. Missouri River Sturgeon Iridovirus (MRSI)- MFG&P‟s has switched from histology to using a PCR for detection. They are testing all sturgeon for the presence of the MRSI. Cleaning up water supplies, a break in year class, and bio-security are paramount in the prevention of the disease. Lewiston Hatchery has painted their raceways every couple of years. The fish tested high for PCBs that were traced to the paint used. The raceways are now one big hole in the ground. This is MFG&P‟s largest production facility. NOAA – Mark Strom They are unable to fill any FTE‟s at this time. There is no salmon disease research at his lab because of lack of funding Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Tony Amandi IHNV was isolated from dying legal and trophy size rainbow trout at the Wallowa Hatchery. The fish were euthanized (~42,000) and the IHNV genotype was MD139. A hatchery smolt was found on the intake screen and it tested positive for IHNV. USFWS – Marilyn (Guppy) Blair A moribund BY10juvenile steelhead tested positive for IHNV at Quinault National Fish Hatchery. Fish in one raceway were euthanized. The isolate was genogroup mG139M. IHNV genogroup mG151U was isolated from a moribund BY09 juvenile spring chinook at Leavenworth NFH during a routine pre-release sampling. Fish in one raceway displayed a persistent level of infection and elevation in mortality and were euthanized. IHNV was isolated from wild caught adult steelhead in the Methow River. Eggs from one female that had moderate virus titer were culled. WDFW – John Kerwin WDFW hatchery facilities had epidemics in juvenile steelhead attributed to IHNV at the Kalama River Hatchery, the Lewis River Hatchery and in rainbow trout at Tucannon Hatchery. The rainbow trout were euthanized at the Tucannon Hatchery. One vector considered likely at the Tucannon was contamination of the spring water supply due to flooding. The entire facility was treated with iodophor and left fallow. The Kalama and Lewis River hatcheries operate from surface water and adult steelhead upstream of their intakes are believed to be the vector.

IHNV was not isolated from any WDFW hatchery facilities on the Olympic peninsula for the second straight reporting period. However, it continues to be a big concern to WDFW. The Fish Health Unit lost another position and this jeopardizes our ability to provide proactive fish health support to our hatcheries. End of Short Reports Meeting adjourned at 5:13 PM

Thursday, September 22, 2011 The Chair reconvened the meeting at 8:12 Phil Mamer made an announcement that the Western Fish Disease Conference would be held in Boise at the Boise Center on the Grove. Continuing Education would be held on June 11 and the WFDC on June 12-14. Identification of Specific Autochthonous Probiotics Capable of Enhancing Resistance to Bacterial Coldwater Disease (CWD) in Rainbow Trout – Ken Cain, University of Idaho Ken provided the PNFHPC with a presentation on some current research being conducted on the title‟s subject. Specific enterobacter species (C6-6 and C6-8) showed promising results by demonstrating significantly less mortality. Genetic sequencing showed C6-6 and C6-8 are most closely related to Enterobacter amnigenus. Review of Regional Fish Pathologists Meeting in Vancouver – Tony Amandi (ODFW) and Susan Gutenberger (USFWS) The meeting had been traditionally held in California but was moved northward to try and involve additional groups. This meeting was held on July 27 at WDFW‟s Region 5 offices in Vancouver, WA.. The idea of the meeting is to have open and frank discussions on fish health problems and treatments. There was considerable discussion on steatitis and sunburn issues. The consensus was that it was probably not feed related and need more work on covers and adjusting light. Probiotics may be of some benefit. Additional issues were with IHNV, BCWD, therapeutant use restrictions, and the judicious use of therapeutants. The meeting organization was discussed and it was thought that holding meetings on oddnumbered years would be useful. The next meeting may be in Boise in June 2013. In even numbered years it might be useful for microbiologists and technicians to get together to discuss issues they face. Bruce Stewart volunteered to host that meeting.

Discussion of IHNV Facility Resolution – John Kerwin It was noted that to date there had been very little participation in the facility needs survey. There was a good discussion about costs of these projects and what alternatives existed to mitigate the high construction costs. Old Business  None New Business Marilyn (Guppy) Blair (USFWS) – Jill Roland (USDA-APHIS) sent her some National Aquatic Animal Health Plan (NAAHP) information which she passed along.

The NAAHP, developed in collaboration with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was completed and made available for public comment in November, 2008. Conceptually, the NAAHP is to be updated 5 years. . The implementation of the NAAHP is guided by a subcommittee under the Secretary„s Advisory Committee on Animal Health (FACA committee). There are 18 total representatives (7 Industry representatives, 5 State Representatives, 1 Tribal Representative, 2 Subject Matter Experts, and 3 Federal Regular Government employee representatives There is also the development of a laboratory testing network along with a national IT infrastructure to assist with surveillance and trade activities. Also discussed was the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Proposed Rule. USDA-APHIS will publish the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) regulation as a proposed rule rather than an interim rule to allow more time for public comment. The rule and supporting economic and environmental assessments are undergoing internal review and APHIS will seek input from the SAAH on specific issues. Additional discussions with other stakeholder groups, including Tribes, will be carried out There have been additional surveillance findings of VHS in wild fish populations confined to the Great Lakes States but there is no evidence of VHS spread outside of the States bordering the Great Lakes, and there have been no detections of VHS in farmed populations, including those using open water sources. There was a group discussion of the rule making process and previously submitted comments to the VHSV proposed rule. The proposed rule is a general overarching rule and guidance is still a rule. Guppy went on to summarize changes to Canadian Fish Import Regulations. Those changes include:

1. On December 22, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published Canada Gazette, Part II, which changes their Health of Animals Regulations and Reportable Diseases Regulations. a. The regulation list over 400 species of finfish, mollusks and crustacean species, including live and dead animals for specific end uses. b. Listed species will require aquatic animal import permits issued by CFIA and zoosanitary certification from the Competent Animal Health Authority in the country of origin. c. The specific conditions of the import permit and language of the health requirements are still being developed by CFIA. d. APHIS is working with NOAA and FWS as well as stakeholders to assist Canada in the development of their specific import requirements and language (i.e., permit and zoosanitary conditions) in order to facilitate continuous US trade in aquatic animals and products with Canada.  In an effort to determine zones of equivalent health status between the US and Canada and thus a possibility to wave some import restrictions, APHIS is compiling and analyzing surveillance data for several pathogens of concern including those that cause viral hemorrhagic septicemia, infectious salmon anemia, and white spot disease.  The US and Canada have agreed on this approach. e. Regulations are expected to be effective December 10, 2011. Wyoming Department of Fish and Game - PNFHPC Membership John Kerwin has been contacted by Steve Sharon from Wyoming Department of Fish and Game. They have expressed interest in becoming a voting member of PNFHPC. They share many of the same issues that the current membership has and they have headwater stream systems to the Columbia River basin. There was a general discussion about extending them a formal invitation. A motion was made to invite them, seconded and unanimously passed. Time and Place for Next Meeting: John Thorpe led a brief discussion on the next meeting. After a short discussion it was decided to investigate California and if that was not possible then Boise as a backup. Tentative dates were February 15-16, 2012. Without further delay, a motion to adjourn was quickly offered, seconded and passed. John Thorpe, Chairman, gaveled the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM.