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Scientists are testing the efficacy of novel vaccines that can be easily administered to farmed fish without the need for highly trained personnel and specialist equipment.

Challenge      

Over 30 species are currently farmed, including tilapia and Pangasius (Vietnamese catfish also known as Tra catfish). These fish species are farmed in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and provide an important source of revenue for many low-income families, supplying both the domestic and export market. Tilapia production is rapidly increasing with Egypt the third largest global producer.

Tilapia and Vietnamese catfish are both produced in Vietnam. Although Vietnamese catfish production increased dramatically between 2004 and 2008, the export market has since levelled off due to public concern over disease and overuse of antibiotics.

Currently, disease outbreaks caused by Aeromonas hydrophila are having a major economic impact on aquaculture in both countries. No vaccine is currently available in Egypt and despite a vaccine being available for use in Vietnamese catfish, antibiotics remain the treatment of choice due to doubts over vaccine effectiveness (A. hydrophila strains are highly diverse) and the high cost of the vaccine (administered by injecting individual sedated fish). The widespread use of antibiotics within farms can encourage antimicrobial resistance, reducing the treatment options for both fish and human infection.   

Solution     

A group of scientists from Vietnam, Egypt and the UK have been collaborating to test the efficacy of novel vaccines that can be easily administ