April 9, 2024

UK experts progress in developing sea lice vaccine

A team of UK experts is advancing research on a pioneering vaccination against sea lice, a longstanding challenge in the global aquaculture sector, FiskerForum reported.

Following promising initial findings, partners from the University of Stirling's Institute of Aquaculture, AQUATRECK Animal Health SL, and Moredun Scientific have secured nearly GBP 50,000 (US$63,000) in funding from the UK-based Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) to proceed to the next phase.

Sea lice infestations pose significant economic costs, estimated at up to $1 billion globally, for the salmon farming industry. Dr Sean Monaghan, lead researcher at the University of Stirling, emphasised the potential impact of a vaccine-based solution on fish health, farmers, and the wider supply chain. He noted that recent shifts in vaccine perceptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have opened doors for exploring vaccination as a method to address animal health challenges with reduced intervention.

The current phase of research focuses on evaluating the vaccine's efficacy against adult sea lice, following successful results targeting larval stages in the initial phase. Utilising advanced recombinant expression technology, the team aims to develop a vaccine that triggers an immune response in fish, impairing sea lice development and reproductive capacity.

Notably, the vaccine formulation aims to elevate antibody levels in fish, hindering sea lice reproduction post-feed. If successful, the technology could be scaled up for mass production, potentially revolutionizing the sector's approach to sea lice control.

Despite the complexities and costs associated with scaling up vaccine development, the researchers have identified a promising route to market using yeast expression technology to produce recombinant proteins needed for the vaccine at scale.

Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, highlighted the importance of innovative projects like this in advancing fish health and welfare, underscoring their role in creating a more sustainable future for the aquaculture industry.

-      FiskerForum