FISH HEALTH RESEARCH

The Fish Health Research unit conducts hypothesis-driven, project-based research working closely with clients to advance their research goals in aquatic animal health.  Our past investigations have focused on the molecular characterization of aquatic pathogens and the mechanistic understanding of host-pathogen interactions under disease mitigation strategies.  We offer microbial culture services and provide specialized expertise in experimental design and statistical data analysis for disease resistance and vaccine efficacy studies.  Leveraging innovative molecular tools, including eDNA metabarcoding and microbial community profiling, we employ the Illumina MiSeq Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform to investigate ecological biodiversity and responses to anthropogenic stressors.  These integrative approaches support the development of evidence-based, sustainable solutions for aquaculture health management and environmental stewardship. 

FEATURE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Characterization of aquatic pathogens by genomic and protein methods

• In vivo disease challenge model experience with ISAV, Renibacterium salmoninarum, Moritella viscosa, Tenacibaculum spp., and Aeromonas salmonicida

• Proof-of-concept vaccine development – antigen preparation

• Specific antibody ELISA testing

• ISAV segment phylogenetic analysis

• NGS environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding analysis- ecosystem biodiversity

• Gene expression studies in fish with real-time PCR assays

• Photoperiod and Hormonal manipulation of broodstock

• Effluent disinfection efficacy studies of aquatic biocontainment facilities