Sequences Comprising the " Mid-g " Region of the Glycoprotein (g) Gene of Austrian

29 Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is one of the most important pathogens of 30 salmonid fish. In this study a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genetic evolution 31 and variety of Austrian IHNV strains as well as selected strains ensuring worldwide coverage 32 is presented. The phylogenetic investigation is based on sequences comprising the “mid G” 33 region of the G gene, and it includes all to-date available IHNV sequences of the G gene with 34 a length of at least 615 bp. Austrian IHN viruses are located together with other European 35 IHNV isolates in two clusters of genogroup M (M-Eur1 and M-Eur2), and are clearly 36 separated from American and Asian lineages. The genetic clustering, however, could not be 37 linked to certain clinical symptoms or significant differences in the mortality rates. 38