February 7, 2007

US researchers to identify genetic makeup of disease-resistant fish

Researchers at Washington State University are using a USDA grant to identify the genetic makeup of disease-resistant fish.

Ruth Phillips, an adjunct research professor of biology, learned last month that the USDA would provide US$450,000 over the next three years to continue research into mapping the genetic code of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.

Disease is a problem for aquaculture, where fish are grown in close quarters as a food source.

Phillips said the research, in conjunction with scientists in Canada and Norway, would benefit sport fish raised in hatcheries up and down the West Coast and in the Columbia River basin.

Phillips said the intention is to better understand the molecular basis of fish disease and not to design a superfish.

When a strain is selected for resistance to one disease, it may be susceptible to another so it is not prudent to "put all the strains in one basket".