Induction of Baculovirus specific antibodies in rainbow trout and carp

The practice of aerial spraying of fields with baculovirus is being considered for use as a biological insecticide in the Federal Republic of Germany. However, this practice raises the question of the possible effects on vertebrates in the area. In order to evaluate the health risks to vertebrates safety studies are required. Several studies have been carried out with marnmals (Burges et al. 1980, Döller & Gröner l981, Reimann & Miltenburger in press, Döller & Huber, in press) but to our knowledge no studies have been reported on the possible hazard to aquatic animals. The detection of inapparent infection with baculovirus should be possible based upon the assumption that virus replication in a vertebrate is accompanied by antibody production to it. These specific antibodies could be assayed. This study investigated the ability of rainbow trout and carp to produce specific baculovirus antibodies after immunisation and to develop a simple antibody detection assay which could be used to monitor the possible infection of fish by baculoviruses if they were introduced into a particular environment.