The value of veterinarians in ensuring sustainability for Africa’s fast-growing aquaculture industry
Sub-Saharan Africa is enjoying an aquaculture boom — with fish health and welfare services moving in turn to meet the sector’s needs and ensure sustainable growth. In an interview, veterinarian Brandon Spolander, BVSc, MRCVS, SAVC, MSc, owner of Aquavet Africa, talks about engaging with the growing industry and addressing important gaps.
News & Trends
Vaccine ‘work in progress’ in major aquaculture markets, Part 2: Tilapia
Nile tilapia is now the second most farmed fish worldwide, in part due to its adaptability. It is, however, susceptible to a number of diseases.
Vaccine ‘work in progress’ in major aquaculture markets, Part 1: Sea bass
European sea bass aquaculture is centered on the Mediterranean basin, and there are a number of notable pathogens which can cause high mortality on production sites through direct and indirect effects.
Upgraded smoltification test gives Mowi greater confidence in salmon transfers
A novel gill-tissue diagnostic technology — supported by rapid laboratory analysis — has enabled salmon-farming giant Mowi to much more precisely gauge when to transfer its smolts to sea cages within its Pacific West Coast operations.
Film offers a fairer appraisal of Vietnam’s ‘controversial’ pangasius sector
Vietnam’s pangasius sector is an aquaculture phenomenon. Worth US $2 billion a year in exports alone, this fast-growing and cheap-to-produce freshwater fish has quickly become one of the most consumed seafoods in the world.
Mycobacteriosis could prove growing problem in aquaculture
Intensification of aquaculture and domestication of wild species are leading to an increased prevalence of mycobacteriosis in farmed aquatic invertebrates, according to a review of the disease’s emergence by an international team of researchers.
Salmon farming’s smolt focus drives demand for novel gill diagnostic
New gill-tissue diagnostic technology is enabling Atlantic salmon producers to more accurately monitor smoltification and determine the ideal time to transfer smolt to sea, thereby helping them to improve fish survival and welfare through harvest.
Debate on antibiotic residues in shrimp farming masks broader concerns
There is global concern about antibiotic residues in farmed food products — and the potential economic damage of import bans resulting from exceeding regulatory limits is huge.
Microplastics harbor pathogens affecting farmed seafood
There is growing evidence that microplastic pollution in seawater could serve as reservoirs for pathogens in aquaculture, according to a University of Exeter review of current evidence in this emerging field.