Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) has been a problem in Tasmanian aquaculture for years. The disease is caused by the amoeba Neoparamoeba perurans, which thrives well in high salinity sea water at increasing temperatures.
During the last years outbreaks have also been reported in Ireland and Scotland, and there is a concern whether outbreaks will occur along the Norwegian coastline.
To face this potential problem, VESO Vikan has established a challenge model for AGD. Through close collaboration with the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI), we are now able to cultivate the amoeba and have successfully infected salmon smolts in experimental trials.
We are currently working to establish a scoring system to evaluate the progression of the disease, this work is done in collaboration with NVI and Patogen Analyse AS.
The model will be useful for basic research, and to test methods for treatment and prophylactic measures, such as functional feeds, selective breeding and vaccination.
For further information, please contact Marie Løvoll. marie.lovoll@veso.no
For more information from Veso, click here.
