Chilean Acuaculture Industry Fights Back Against Emerging Salmon Virus With Innovative Vaccine
Chile, a global leader in the aquaculture industry, is the second-largest producer of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, which are in high demand in international markets. To maintain this position, the sector must uphold high sanitary and rearing standards to ensure global competitiveness and productivity. Preventing and treating viral infections that threaten fish health, such as Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV), is crucial.
PRV, an emergent pathogen in Chile, has been reported in up to 46% of aquaculture farms. It primarily targets the heart and red blood cells of fish, impairing their stress tolerance and ability to withstand low oxygen conditions in aquaculture environments.
In response to this challenge, a team of researchers from the Universidad de Santiago (USACH), led by Dr. Marcelo Cortez of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, has developed an innovative vaccine in collaboration with the company Veterquimica. The vaccine aims to control infections caused by this harmful virus.
Dr. Marcelo Cortez explained, "The development utilizes recombinant viruses that have shown promising efficacy in lab-scale tests, preventing and managing PRV infections, particularly in salmon, a widely exported species in Chile."
The researcher noted that this breakthrough could bring significant benefits to the national aquaculture industry, improving sanitary standards and farm management, and potentially reducing economic and productivity losses associated with PRV infections.
Moreover, Dr. Cortez highlighted the technology’s potential to ensure a steadier and more sustainable production, enhancing Chile’s global market competitiveness and reliability as a salmon supplier.
It is worth mentioning that the innovation has received a patent in Chile, a process supported by the university’s Research and Technological Management Directorate. The patent is jointly owned by USACH and Veterquimica, demonstrating a successful collaborative effort between academia and industry.
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