January 26, 2024

US$1.9 million funding fuels research for oral vaccine to combat sea lice in farmed salmon

A ground-breaking initiative, backed by GBP 1.5 million (US$1.9 million) in funding, seeks to develop an oral vaccine to address the pervasive issue of sea lice in farmed Atlantic salmon, Global Seafood Alliance reported.

The multidisciplinary project, led by Dr Kim Thompson from the Moredun Research Institute, is hailed as a potential game-changer, offering a sustainable and effective solution to the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry.

Dr Sean Monaghan of the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture will spearhead the vaccine trials, evaluating molecular aspects of the sea lice parasite at infectious life stages. The trials will be conducted at the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL) near Campbeltown, Scotland.

Traditional methods involving injections have shown limited success in administering salmon lice vaccines. In response, an international team of experts in ecto-parasitology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, veterinary medicine, and fish immunology is collaborating on an oral vaccine. Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the project involves partnerships with the Moredun Research Institute, the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture, Bimeda Animal Health, and Vertebrate Antibodies Ltd.

Dr Thompson said the development of an innovative salmon louse vaccine represents a ground-breaking approach in the aquaculture industry. Using reverse vaccinology and artificial intelligence, the team aims to deliver a practical, safe, and environmentally friendly solution to combat salmon lice, enhancing both systemic and mucosal immune responses in Atlantic salmon.

The potential success of this oral vaccine not only promises to fortify fish health and welfare but also aligns with the Scottish Government's objective to double the value of Atlantic salmon production between 2016 and 2030.

-        Global Seafood Alliance