4 | DISCUSSION
We provide evidence of rapid genetic changes over a single generation in
wild H. rubra populations decimated by HaHV-1. Specifically, our
GWAS identified SNP loci associated with virus exposure, many of which
mapped to genes known to contribute to HaHV-1 immunity, herpes virus
response pathways, and host-virus interactions in haliotids and other
animal systems. These findings require experimental validation but point
to rapid evolutionary changes in H. rubra fishing stocks impacted
by disease, with stock recovery influenced by evolved resistance. This
study highlights the pace at which selection can act to counter disease
in wildlife communities by leading to an increased frequency of adaptive
genotypes. The implications of these findings are discussed in the
context of future infectious diseases management in abalone fisheries
and wildlife conservation more generally.