Abstract

Abstract. Bacterial kidney disease was induced experimentally in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and Atlantic salmon, S. salar L., and selected serum parameters measured over a 35-day period. In those fish which became infected a significant increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and in the serum levels of bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and potassium were recorded. A significant decrease in total serum protein, cholesterol and sodium also occurred in these fish. Electrophore-tic analysis of serum proteins showed the fast migrating fraction was reduced before the slower migrating material in infected fish.