Vaccine progress critical to sustainable freshwater aquaculture in Southeast Asia

A lack of vaccines and susceptibility to bacterial pathogens is putting Southeast Asia’s booming freshwater farming industry at risk, according to scientists.

Nile tilapia in pond (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ratchaprapha Dam at Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Vaccine progress critical to sustainable freshwater aquaculture in Southeast Asia

Sound Science

Taming tilapia lake virus requires improved expert collaboration

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is an emerging threat to aquaculture, having been discovered in 2014 and now reported in 16 countries.

China making up for lost time in aquatic vaccine development

China is now responsible for over 70% of global farmed-fish production. Finding appropriate responses to fish disease has not been as rapid, researchers from Huazhong Agricultural University acknowledged — but new options in development suggest that the nation is fast catching up.

Why prophylactic use of antibiotics poses a problem for aquaculture

Aquaculture needs to change its “widespread and unrestricted” use of prophylactic antibiotics and accelerate the move toward vaccination and more sanitary practices globally, according to Felipe C. Cabello, MD, professor emeritus of microbiology and immunology at New York Medical College.

Seaweed supplements show promise as immunostimulants in aquaculture

Supplementing the diets of farmed fish with seaweeds or their extracts has “substantial positive impacts” on fish health, growth and survival, according to new analysis by scientists.

Cleaner-fish health risks highlighted as use in aquaculture rises

Cleaner fish have proved an effective alternative method of sea louse control — but their widespread introduction brings with it a new threat of pathogens and parasites, and available treatments are falling short of requirements.