The aquaculture industry has been increasing protein production with the goal of meeting the growing global demand by 2040. However, the path has not been without challenges. Disease control has been a significant obstacle, hindering growth and affecting profitability.
Traditionally, antibiotics have been the go-to solution, but long-term use comes at a high cost. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria and environmental damage due to drug residues are major concerns.
The good news? Science to the rescue! Research is paving the way for a new generation of vaccines designed specifically for aquaculture. These vaccines promise to address a wide range of infectious diseases, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, and even parasites, where current options are limited.
Researchers from Guangdong Ocean University, the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, and other scientific research organizations published a review paper studying and evaluating the growing aquaculture production, recent progress, and future perspectives related to vaccines and immunizations in the aquaculture industry and their effects on the treatment of bacterial and viral diseases.
The growing need for effective vaccines in aquaculture
The global aquaculture industry has undergone remarkable transformation since the turn of the millennium. However, its expansion has been hindered by several challenges, with disease control being the most important. Traditionally, aquaculture has relied on a combination of approaches (antibiotics, integrated ecological control, and chemical drugs) to manage aquatic diseases.
While these methods have played a role, prolonged use of antibiotics poses serious problems. Not only does it contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, but it also threatens fish health and the environment. Drug residues can accumulate in aquatic products, jeopardizing consumer safety and hindering the sustainable growth of the industry.
Vaccines: A sustainable solution for a prosperous future
The field of vaccinology offers a much-needed alternative. Scientific research is actively exploring the creation of innovative and potent vaccines, as well as improving the effectiveness of existing ones. These advances have the potential to revolutionize how we manage diseases in aquaculture.
Recent discoveries are paving the way for new vaccine candidates that can effectively combat a broader spectrum of fish diseases. This includes addressing parasitic organisms, for which current vaccination options are often inadequate.
Types of vaccines for a diverse aquaculture industry
The article delves into the world of vaccines for aquaculture, exploring both established and cutting-edge approaches. We examine the benefits of various types of vaccines, including:
- Conventional inactivated vaccines: These vaccines offer protection by using inactivated pathogens, stimulating the immune system without causing disease.
- Attenuated vaccines: This approach uses weakened or modified pathogens, allowing the immune system to develop a strong defense against future infections.
- Advanced vaccines: This new and exciting frontier includes DNA vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, and more, offering targeted protection and potentially longer-lasting immunity.
By diving into the science behind these vaccines and their real-world application in aquaculture, we can gain valuable insights into their effectiveness and potential impact on the future of the industry.
Real benefits for a thriving industry
The review emphasizes the practical importance of vaccines in real-world aquaculture settings. By boosting fish immunity, vaccines can significantly reduce disease outbreaks, improve fish health, and ultimately enhance farm profitability.
Policy and science: working together for a sustainable future
The article underscores the need for informed national and international scientific and policy initiatives. A deeper understanding of vaccines and their benefits is crucial to encouraging broader adoption and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous aquaculture sector.
A vaccine-based future
Vaccines offer a sustainable and effective solution to combating diseases in aquaculture. However, their successful implementation requires addressing several challenges, including development, cost, and coordination.
- Vaccine development: Ongoing research and advances in biotechnology are speeding up the development of effective vaccines for a wider range of aquaculture species.
- Cost-effectiveness: Ensuring the affordability of vaccines is crucial for widespread adoption by fish farmers.
- Coordination: Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders is essential to promote vaccine use and tackle regulatory hurdles.
Conclusion
By harnessing the power of vaccines, the aquaculture industry can overcome disease challenges and unlock its full potential. This research paves the way for a future where healthy fish populations ensure a steady supply of protein-rich food for a growing world, while minimizing environmental impact.
The study was funded by the Program for Scientific Research Start-up Funds of Guangdong Ocean University, the Guangdong Provincial Key Special Program for Ordinary Colleges and Universities, Key Scientific Research Platforms and Projects of Ordinary Universities in Guangdong Province, and the Research on Breeding Technology of Candidate Species for Guangdong Modern Marine Ranching.
Contact
Zhongliang Wang
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals
Zhanjiang, 524088, China.
Email: zhongliangwang@vip.163.com
Reference
Mkulo, E. M., Wang, B., Amoah, K., Huang, Y., Cai, J., Jin, X., & Wang, Z. (2024). The current status and development forecasts of vaccines for aquaculture and its effects on bacterial and viral diseases. Microbial Pathogenesis, 196, 106971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106971
