Fish farming is widely regarded as an efficient and sustainable way to produce high-quality protein, and global aquaculture is becoming increasingly important in feeding the world’s growing population. However, as with terrestrial animals, the risk and impact of disease outbreaks increase with intensification, posing significant threats to the sustainability and commercial viability of aquaculture operations.
Antibiotics are often used as a first line of defense to control disease outbreaks. Estimates suggest that more than 10,000 tons of antibiotics are administered globally each year in aquaculture, with a significant portion used preventatively, particularly in Asia. This widespread use has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a serious threat not only to aquaculture but also to animal and human health.
The solutions required for fish health are as diverse as the industry itself. Preventive and evidence-based fish health management is essential for facilitating healthy and sustainable growth. This approach includes a combination of tools such as genetic and nutritional improvements, targeted diagnostics, efficacious vaccines, biosecurity measures, and regulation. Vaccination has been routine in the salmon industry for decades, with fish vaccinated against up to ten different pathogens simultaneously using fully automated vaccination devices. Vaccination programs have also been used successfully for sea bass for more than two decades, and more recently, vaccination has been successfully introduced to other industrialized species such as tilapia, and pangasius. Despite this progress, the percentage of farmed fish vaccinated globally remains low.
In this presentation, we will review PHARMAQ’s experiences in developing, licensing, and introducing vaccines to new species and markets. We will focus on the opportunities, obstacles, and success factors relevant to African aquaculture.