Detection of channel catfish virus in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque): use of a nucleic acid probe*

A nucleic acid probe for channel catfish virus (CCV) was constructed using recombinant DNA techniques. This probe consisted of a specific viral DNA fragment generated by digestion of CCV DNA with the restriction enzyme EcoRI. The probe was used to examine DNA isolated from tissues of fish that had been injected with CCV. Viral DNA was detected in some tissues of various injected fish. The sensitivity limit of detection was determined to be one viral DNA per cell.