MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co, Inc, announced the introduction of a new vaccine Aquavac Strep Sa-Si, to protect against streptococcosis in fish in Latin America. Indicated for the active immunisation of tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and other susceptible fish species to reduce mortality and disease due to streptococcosis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae (serotype Ib) and Streptococcus iniae, Aquavac Strep Sa-Si Strep Sa-Si has a demonstrated onset of immunity from 1 week after vaccination, with a demonstrated duration of immunity for at least 12 weeks in laboratory trials and throughout the production cycle in field trials.
“MSD Animal Health is pleased to announce the approval of a new vaccine that provides protection to tilapia against streptococcosis, the most significant health challenge of tilapia. Aquavac Strep Sa-Si will benefit tilapia health and tilapia producers throughout Latin America,” said Kasha Cox, Global Lead Aquaculture, MSD Animal Health. “Tilapia grown in Latin America helps the region meet the growing demand for a safe and affordable protein source that helps contribute to a nutritious diet. MSD Animal Health continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the tilapia producers and the health and welfare of the fish they are raising.
Streptococcosis is a neurological bacterial disease that affects warm water fish in both salt or freshwater environments, typically in tropical regions. This disease causes widespread morbidity and mortality in fish across all sizes, and presents significant economic loss for producers when the larger fish are affected. The predominant streptococcal diseases in tilapia are Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae.
In field trials, Aquavac Strep Sa-Si has demonstrated significant reduction of mortality, with efficacy for at least 6 months, the entire duration of the tilapia production period. Aquavac Strep Sa-Si has a zero-day withdrawal period; therefore, fish can be vaccinated at any time point before harvest.
Aquavac Strep Sa-Si is the latest vaccine joining our range of products developed to protect against Streptococcosis, including Aquavac Strep Sa and Aquavac Strep Sa1. With this portfolio of products to be used singularly and in combination, MSD now offers protection against the main disease-causing Streptococcal strains including Streptococcus agalactiae (serotype Ia, Ib and III) and Streptococcus iniae.
Aquavac Strep Sa-Si will be launched in Honduras and will be available throughout the Latin America region following local country regulatory approvals.
