In 2021, USDA-NIFA North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) funded a synergistic research and Extension project entitled “Improving fish health in the NCR by integrating extension with the development of alternative disease prevention methods” to Michigan State University (MSU; Chairperson Dr. Loch), Ohio State University (OSU; Mr. Smith), and University of Minnesota (UMN; Dr. Phelps). MSU is leading the research on identifying flavobacterial variants and creating and evaluating the vaccine. UMN is working with MSU veterinarian Dr. Kebus to develop a host of farmer-focused deliverables. The project aims to develop practical and usable fish health applications for producers and fish health professionals and as such will be the focus of this presentation.
From January to September 2023, Dr. Kebus has:
The team has also developed, implemented, and evaluated the results of a regional fish health semi-structured survey. The survey was conducted by Dr. Kebus via phone, e-mail, and in-person. The results identified pressing fish health concerns for NCR aquaculture producers. The results of the survey are helping to identify activities to focus on within this NCRAC project, but it will also serve as the foundation of continued fish health monitoring, research, and Extension within the region in the future.
The team is currently working to develop generalizable forms which can be used by farmers to identify where there may be risk on the farm in relation to aquatic animal health. These forms will guide producers to previously developed best management practices, fish health related materials, and training opportunities, as appropriate. Farmer focused educational documents will be developed should there be any gaps identified in the literature.
As part of the synergistic activities of the project, while on farms, Dr. Kebus is, as appropriate, collecting and submitting moribund salmonids to the MSU-Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory if they have clinical signs of bacterial coldwater disease and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry syndrome (both caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum). The extension components of this project are helping the researchers by providing them the opportunity to examine and bacteriologically analyze these fish to develop an effective autogenous vaccine.