SRS vaccine breakthrough
The approval of Pharmaq's vaccine Alpha Ject LiVac SRS by the Chilean authorities should mark an important step in the battle to control Salmon Rickettsial Septicaemia (SRS) syndrome, one of the biggest problems facing the Chilean aquaculture industry.
SRS, also known as Piscirickettsiosis, is caused by the bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis, generating a severe disease that has caused major economic losses in the aquaculture industry since its appearance in 1989. The disease is affecting all three species farmed in Chile: Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and coho salmon.
"Our innovative drive is based on the aquaculture industry's need to produce safe and healthy seafood. We are confident that this ground-breaking vaccine will be an important tool to help fight SRS. This is a highly requested product by the industry and will help achieve more predictable and reliable fish production,” said the president of Pharmaq, Morten K Nordstad.
The approval from the Chilean authority (SAG) to sell the attenuated live vaccine is a major technology milestone for the fish farming industry and for Pharmaq. Behind this product are many years of research, development and documentation to ensure a high quality product that provides a high level of protection as well as being safe for the fish and the environment, said the company.
