Spinal deformity in triploid grass carp ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes)

From mid-2004 to mid-2005, several grass carp, Ctenophayngodon idella (Valenciennes), showing evidence of spinal deformity were presented to the Aquatic Animal Health Program, Cornell University. The carp were from three separate locations in New York State. The first case involved several fish from a natural body of water in the Catskill Mountain region of south-eastern New York State. The second was a single affected individual from a private pond in the Fingerlakes region of Central New York State. The third was a single individual from the Cold Springs Harbor Fish Hatchery, Cold Springs Harbor, Long Island. All fish were at least 7 years of age. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed the deformities to be of bony origin. The spinal deformities were characterized by variable amounts of kyphosis, scoliosis and rotation. While it is not possible to determine the specific cause(s) of the lesions, we consider a genetic component as a likely contributor to the observed pathology.