Changing landscapes in salmon aquaculture alters disease focus

Dr. Mark Fast

Professor, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island

ABSTRACT

For decades marine culture of Atlantic salmon has been hampered by sea lice, namely Lepeophtheirus salmonis in the Northern Hemisphere and Caligus rogercresseyi in the Southern Hemisphere.  In the face of reduced efficacy of anti-parasitic treatments due to resistance, the industry has focused on different intervention strategies.  These new strategies in turn have been supported by and driven changes in research focus.  In the midst of declining use of medicinal intervention; mechanical treatments, freshwater baths, biological control and genetic improvements to salmon have been at the forefront of the industry’s response.  Subsequent impacts on fish welfare, behaviour, potential selection pressures and methods for inducing effective host responses to infection have been the focus of our research to support these industry trends.  This seminar will discuss the multi-pronged research approach to addressing these gaps in disease management, and providing applied solutions to these issues.