Sea Lice Vaccine for Salmonid Aquaculture

Summary:
Sea lice infestations present a significant challenge to aquaculturists, veterinary clinicians and vaccine developers. Sea lice tend to feed on blood, skin and mucus resulting in severe damage to the skin and even death. These parasites have been estimated to cost the salmon aquaculture industry as much as US$480 million world-wide, according to the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Information and Statistics Service (2008). It is believed that this estimate represents 6% to 10% of the value of production, and in some locations in the world the problem has worsened since the date of this report. Currently chemical treatments are primarily used to control infestations, however this also presents several disadvantages including toxicities, drug tolerance, environmental impacts, negative consumer perception, availability, and not the least of which is cost. Vaccination presents an alternative to chemical applications addressing many of these disadvantages.

Recent R&D at Microtek International Inc. (now Pfizer Animal Health, Pfizer Canada Inc.) has identified a number of candidate vaccine antigens. The goal of this project was to complete the remaining development, pre-commercial manufacturing, and regulatory work required to license a vaccine for the control of sea lice infestations of farmed salmon in Canada. The initial trials were to be completed at Microtek’s laboratories located at the University of Victoria, and field trials at West Coast aquafarm(s).

After a significant effort, Microtek researchers were unable to fully develop an in-house challenge model to complete the remaining studies. A number of obstacles – such as episodic infestations, limited sea lice harvest sites, and technical issues such as hatching systems, water turbulence, and oxygen levels – resulted in a delay to the establishment of a cost-effective challenge model. However, they were able to determine that it is not feasible to establish an in house model at their facility. This has resulted in the successful development of alternative strategies through Contract Research Organizations (CRO), and the recent identification of an alternative Canadian facility. Consequently Microtek has overcome initial difficulties and are proceeding with trials of candidate vaccines.

Project Lead: Microtek Research and Development Inc. (Pfizer Animal Health)

Total Project Cost: $78,938
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $36,438

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: Microtek Research and Development Inc. (Pfizer Animal Health)
• Province: BC Ministry of Agriculture (BC MAL
• Marine Harvest Canada

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Pacific Region: Sean.Irvine@dfo-mpo.gc.ca