William (Bill) N Batts

Bill Batts conducted research on several viruses of fish isolated from hatcheries and wild populations. Coordinated and supervised annual collection efforts of tissue and fluid samples from adult sockeye salmon on the Cedar River. Developed and tested new virus detection methods from fish collections. Conducted experimental virus exposures to salmon and trout for susceptibility studies and testing of prevention and control strategies. Proper care of stock fish and experimental fish was necessary to ensure success of research studies: including feeding, weighing, and disease treatments. Necropsy, tissue dissection, tissue processing, and viral assays were also performed on experimental and control fish. Experimental procedures often required repeated dispensing of dilutions of viruses or cells. Collaborations were developed with scientists from many European and Asian countries, as well as from several Canadian provinces and throughout the United States. These research projects with visiting scientists involved pathogens not indigenous to our region and resulted in numerous scientific publications. Viruses isolated from wild and hatchery fish in the Pacific Northwest were also characterized and control measures evaluated. Developed novel diagnostic methods and transferred these techniques into the arsenal of fish pathologists and fish health specialists working for state, federal, tribal, and private laboratories. DNA probe and PCR techniques were taught to fish health workers in mini, hands-on, training courses. Training and instruction in virology and molecular techniques was also provided at fish health technician workshops and at AFS continuing education classes. Conducted experiments on fish pathogens in order to test novel hypotheses, for dissemination to participants at scientific meetings and submitted in journal publications. Thorough understanding of current published literature was necessary for determining relevance of research projects and future risk of treatments to aquatic animals. Was sole operator responsible for maintenance and execution of DNA sequencing machine and DNA synthesizer, provided valuable service to scientists, managers, and diagnosticians. Operates DNA sequencing computer programs to analyze and compare viral sequences with national databases. Perform phylogenetic analyses on fish viruses of interest. Works well in group settings such as collaborations with other scientists or performs diligently when left alone on research projects. Maintains quality control program for cell cultures, including long term storage of cells in liquid nitrogen, and provides adequate stocks of cell culture reagents for peers. Bill was contacted by federal, state, and tribal fish health workers when unusual new virus isolations occur to diagnose or characterize the agent responsible. Characterized several novel fish viruses that represented new viral species or genera within established virus families.