Fish disease
Esocid lymphosarcoma, also known as Esox lymphosarcoma[1] is a transmissible tumor which affects two species of fish, northern pike (Esox lucius) and Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), in North America and Europe.[2] The tumors initially are found in the skin, but later in the course of the disease are also found in the internal organs.[1] The tumors appear as colorless skin protrusions which are several centimeters in diameter.[3] A retrovirus has been detected in affected cells by electron microscopy.[1] The disease is spread by physical contact between fish,[1] probably during the spring spawning season.[2] The disease has the lowest prevalence in the summer.[2]
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