Lymphocystis disease is a viral disease of freshwater and marine fish. It was found in three species ofSciaenids along the Georgia coast. It was found in six of the eight estuaries sampled and appeared in three forms: cutaneous, visceral and ocular. The cutaneous and visceral lesions were typical. An ocular site of infection, however, had not been previously described. The lymphocystis cells were found in the choroid coat of the eye near blood vessels and transport of the virus to the infection site via the blood was suspected. The disease appeared in the fall and winter months in Cynoscion regalis and Stellifer lanceolatus. No conclusions could be drawn from the data on the seasonal appearance of the disease in Dynoscion nothus. Water temperature changes appear to be associated with the appearance and disappearance of the disease but additional factors need to be studied before a causal relationship can be established. There was no significant difference in the proportion of infected S. lanceolatus from lower salinity and higher salinity sample areas.
