Validation of qPCR assays for specific detection of Phocoenobacter atlanticus subspp. atlanticus and cyclopteri (formerly known as 'Pasteurella atlantica genomovars salmonicida and cyclopteri')

Aquaculture is an increasingly important and efficient form of food production. As in all production systems where living animals are held in close proximity, infection with pathogenic agents can be a problem. Both Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, and lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus sea-farmed in Norway, are prone to a variety of bacterial pathogens. Phocoenobacter atlanticus subsp. atlanticus and Phocoenobacter atlanticus subsp. cyclopteri (formerly known as ‘ Pasteurella atlantica genomovars salmonicida and cyclopteri ’) cause relatively host- specific infections and ‘pasteurellosis’ in salmon and lumpfish respectively. In the present study, two previously published qPCRs capable of detection of two undefined ‘ Pasteurella spp.’ were validated as specific for detection of Phocoenobacter atlanticus subsp. atlanticus and subsp. cyclopteri, respectively, and thus represent important tools for study and management of fish pasteurellosis in the North Atlantic area.