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Physiology
Fish Vaccination
The commercial and research practice of vaccinating fish against major diseases - transformed the salmon aquaculture industry from disease-prone to biosecure.
System: Circulatory Level: Advanced Discipline: Endocrinology
📖 Overview
Salmonid aquaculture was rescued from routine bacterial epidemics by furunculosis and vibriosis vaccines in the 1970s-90s. Modern salmon vaccines protect against 5-7 diseases in a single injection. Fish vaccine research is now producing vaccines for tilapia, sea bass, and even carp - reducing antibiotic use dramatically.
🎯 Applications
Norwegian salmon farming reduced antibiotic use over 99% between 1987 and 2015 - almost entirely due to effective vaccination programs.
✨ Fun Fact
A single Norwegian salmon smolt receives a vaccine cocktail protecting against 6+ diseases before it enters seawater cages - the biosecurity investment that keeps the industry viable.