In epizootics of channel catfish virus diseasse (CCVD) at four widely separated fish farms in 1968, affected fry and fingerlings spiraled, hung in a vertical position with head at the surface, or were distressed. In various combinations were edema, hemorrages, and anemia. The disease had a peracute to acute course, and stress to the fish preceded most epizootics. The virus induced formation of syncytial cells in affected cultures, which is considered at present to be of diagnostic significance. Secondary bacterial infections were found in fish with CCVD. Columnaris infection masked the symptoms of the virus disease.