Salmonid rickettsial septicemia caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis: A review

Rickettsial diseases affecting several fish species have emerged in the last years. The most important outbreaks have been reported among farmed salmonid and non-salmonid species. The most important economical impact on the Chilean fish farming industry is probably the rickettsial pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis, which is the microorganism responsible of the disease salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS). In the present article the authors review current knowledge on the natural history, lesions, transmission, diagnosis and control of SRS.