Scientists closing in on ways to boost immune mechanisms of mollusks

Farmed mollusks are threatened with a number of diseases, but given that — unlike vertebrates — animals like mussels and clams don’t have antibodies or T or B cells to fight infection, coming up with health interventions has often proved elusive.

Untitled design Trained immunity in mollusks

Scientists closing in on ways to boost immune mechanisms of mollusks

News & Trends

Digby Salmon fishfarm pens and boats in fog at Annapolis Basin S

Ensuring elite disease management during challenging time for Canada’s salmon farms

Salmon farming in Canada is facing some unprecedented challenges, but there is no sign of the industry letting its guard down when it comes to disease prevention. 

A Salmon farm on the Scottish west coast

One pathogen strain seems the main culprit in damaging salmonid disease

A distinct strain of the main fungus-like pathogen which causes saprolegniosis — thought to be responsible for around 10% of economic losses in the salmonid industry — looks likely to be responsible for the majority of outbreaks of the disease on Atlantic salmon fish farms.

Daphnia water fleas from the pond

Fishmeal substitute made from zooplankton could boost tilapia growth and health

A feed made from the zooplankton daphnia boosted growth rates of red tilapia fry when used as a partial replacement for fishmeal, but too much daphnia had the opposite effect.

Two Australian farmed Tiger abalone being gently handled

Mollusk farms must prepare for more disease under climate change

Warmer seawater is creating perfect conditions for many mollusk pathogens to thrive, scientists have warned.

sea lice all over pink salmon

Research highlights risks of thermal delousing treatments for unhealthy salmon

Thermal sea lice treatments do not appear to cause increases in pathogens which threaten farmed salmon, but the risk of stress-related mortalities means that fish already suffering from disease should not undergo thermal sea lice treatments, according to Institute of Aquaculture researchers.

Feeding frenzy as rainbow trout eat at the D C Booth Historic N

Yeast could aid shift away from fish-based diets in rainbow trout aquaculture

Torula yeast could be a promising option for inclusion in non-fishmeal feeds, with scientists finding links to production and immune improvements in a study using rainbow trout. 

Abstract background genome research

Advanced genomics data could spark breeding revolution in European aquaculture

New genomics data on six commercially important fish species in Europe could have major implications for breeding programs, but there is work still to be done to realize the benefits.

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Dramatic changes and emerging challenges in more than 30 years of fish health and welfare

An interview with Professor Jimmy Turnbull, PhD, University of Stirling