Emmenegger, Eveline (Evi) J.

Research Microbiologist

Email: eemmenegger@usgs.gov
Ph: 206-526-6282 ext. 276; Fax: 206-526-6654
6505 NE 65th St.
Seattle, WA 98115

Education:

M.S. 1994, Fisheries, University of Washington
B.S. 1987, Microbiology, Oregon State University
B.S. 1987, Fisheries, Oregon State University

Expertise/Specialty:

As a research microbiologist with the molecular biology program at the Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC), my work involves researching the genetic variability of fish viral pathogens, the associated biological differences between different fish virus strains, and therapeutic means of combating fish viruses. A primary focus of my research is studying exotic and invasive fish viruses in our aquatic biosafety level three (BSL-3) laboratory. We can safely study newly introduced fish pathogens in this secure BSL-3 containment laboratory to determine if these alien viruses are potential threats to native fish stocks. Overall our research products increase the understanding of the virus epidemiology, distinguish different strains of the virus, and suggest ways to control viruses in order to improve fish health. This information is utilized by fish managers to improve fish culture practices and in implementing management/mitigation plans (particularly those involved with fish stock transfers).

Research Interests:

Exotic and Invasive Fish Viruses, Fish DNA Vaccines, and Fish Virus Epidemiology

Featured Studies:

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IHNV Database
Development of an in-house and online database for a fish virus, Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV). IHNV causes frequent disease outbreaks among stocks of salmon and trout in the Western U.S. along the Pacific Coast of North America, from the Sacramento River in California to Kodiak Island in Alaska. Numerous isolates of the virus have been obtained from wild, farmed, and hatchery fish during the last 40 years. Over 650 IHNV isolates from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Alaska, and British Columbia have been genetically analyzed for this database. As a result of this genetic typing dramatically different patterns of diversity and evolution of IHNV in different parts of its range, and under different conditions, have been observed and documented.

Research scientists, natural resource managers, state and federal fish health centers, and private aquaculture companies utilize the database tool. Database users can dynamically access information about strains of IHNV within various watersheds and fish culture facilities and have a means to rapidly compare emerging strains of IHNV. The resulting epidemiological information can be displayed in a variety of formats (i.e. spreadsheets and maps) that suit particular user needs. http://gis.nacse.org/ihnv/
VHSV Susceptibility Study
Another fish virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), has emerged as a major pathogen in the Great Lakes region. Since the first outbreak in 2005 there have been numerous fish kills involving 25 host species not previously known to be susceptible to VHS virus. Historically VHSV was thought to be a widespread marine fish virus that adapted to cultured rainbow trout in Europe, causing epidemics in European fish farms for several decades. The outbreaks in the Great Lakes are the first time VHSV has caused major disease epidemics in wild freshwater fish. Genetic typing suggests the Great Lakes VHSV is most similar to marine VHSV off the coasts of North America, and that the introduction into the Great Lakes was relatively recent. We are performing studies to determine the susceptibility and virulence of this new VHSV type to Western fish stocks. These results will provide information to facilitate management of VHSV in the Great Lakes fisheries.

Select Publications:

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Emmenegger, EJ. and Kurath, G. 2008. DNA vaccine protects ornamental koi (Cyprinus carpio koi) against North American spring viremia of carp virus. Vaccine 26: 6415-6421.

Emmenegger, E.J., Troyer, R.M., and Kurath, G. 2003 Characterization of the mutant spectra of a fish RNA virus within individual hosts during natural infections. Virus Research 96:15-25.

Emmenegger, E.J., Kurath, G., 2002. Genetic characterization of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus of coastal salmonid stocks in Washington state. J. Aquat Anim Health. 14, 25-34.

Emmenegger, E.J., T.R. Meyers, T.O. Burton, and G. Kurath. 2000. Genetic diversity and epidemiology of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus in Alaska. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 40: 173-176.

Personal Interests:

I love running, triathlons, and aerobics. I dabble with yoga to keep these aging limbs flexible. My artistic endeavors tend toward garish holiday decorations.