Amelia Mahony

Aquatic Biologist

I am involved in salmon health research. I conduct research on the various pathogens (viruses, bacteria and parasites) affecting Pacific salmon. We assess the impacts these pathogens have on the fish (at population and molecular levels) and attempt to determine the prevalence within our salmon populations.

Current research and/or projects

My research involves looking at pathogens that affect both wild and farmed salmonids. Examples of these pathogens include Myxobolus arcticus, Kudoa thyrsities and Sea lice. We look at the effects, both clinically and sub-lethally that these pathogens have on these fish. Currently, I am developinig quantitative PCR methods (using a probe to detect specific sequences of DNA) to determine the prevalence of several microsporidia parasties in Pacific salmon. These parasites are typically found in the gills of salmon and with high infection levels, can impede gill function.

Research and/or project statements

Our research contributes to further understanding of the health of our Pacific salmon stocks as well as to the biology of the pathogens that infect them. All Canadians benefit from maintaining healthy salmon stocks which are essential indicators of healthy ecosystems.

Education and awards

M.Sc. Zoology, University of British Columbia, 2006

Key publications

Amelia Mahony, Stewart Johnson, Chrys Neville, Mary Thiess et Simon Jones. Myxobolus arcticus et Parvicapsula minibicornis infections dans le saumon rouge Oncorhynchus nerka suite à la migration vers l'océan en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada. Maladies des organismes aquatiques. Accepté. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03158

Simon R.M. Jones, Steven Cho, Jimmy Nguyen, Amelia Mahony. Résistance acquise à Kudoa thyrsites dans le saumon de l'Atlantique Salmo salar après récupération d'une infection primaire par le parasite. Aquaculture 451 (2016) 457-462.

Amelia Mahony, Sarah Fraser et Simon Jones. Amplification PCR spécifique pour le rDNA de SSU de Myxobolus arcticus dans le saumon rouge juvénile, Oncorhynchus nerka Colombie-Britannique, Canada. Maladies des organismes aquatiques 2015. 115: 87-92.

Kyle Garver, Amelia Mahony, Dario Stucchi, Jon Richard, Cecile Van Woensel et Mike Foreman. Estimation des paramètres influençant la transmission par voie hydrostaculaire du virus de la nécrose hématopoïétique infectieuse (IVV) dans le saumon atlantique (Salmo Salar). 2013. PloS ONE. 8 (12)

Amelia A. M. Grant, Eva Jakob, Jon Richard et Kyle A. Garver. Concentration des Rhabdovirus aquatiques infectieux provenant de l'eau douce et de l'eau de mer en utilisant l'ultrafiltration. 2011. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 23: 4, 218-223