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
Probiotics help tilapia grow and fight disease, say scientists
Feeding Nile tilapia probiotics leads to improved health and performance, according to work analyzing research to date.
Some functional feeds may have trade-offs for salmon health — new study
There is a complex balance between the benefits and drawbacks of functional feeds for Atlantic salmon when fish are facing concurrent health threats, a Canadian study suggests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.