Abstract
An RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity was demonstrated for spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). The optimal temperature for in vitro synthesis of RNA was 20-25.degree. C. The SVCV enzyme activity was stimulated when the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine was included in the reaction mixture. S-adenosyl-L-methionine was not particularly effective in stimulating the virion RNA polymerase activity of vesicular stomatitis virus or pike fry rhabdovirus. The 5'' nucleotide of the SVCV viral RNA is pppAp.