Vibrio salmonicida pathogenesis analyzed by experimental challenge of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

► We infected Atlantic salmon with wild type and amotile Vibrio salmonicida strains. ► We investigated the bacterial distribution in organs and recorded mortalities. ► V. salmonicida establishes a bacteremia within 2 h. ► V. salmonicida colonize the salmon intestine and is released to the environment. ► V. salmonicida is highly dependant on motility to gain access to the fish host.