Spanish fish vaccine company Aquatreck Animal Health signed an exclusive research agreement with Biodetect, a diagnostic lab based at the University of Patras, to develop a series of novel diagnostic services for the aquaculture sector focusing on pathogen epidemiological mapping in the fish farm environment.
The partnership aims to make the epidemiological mapping of fish diseases more efficient by using novel diagnostic tools to increase the predictability of the onset of fish diseases and improve farm vaccination plans. In addition, it will provide an early warning system to identify emerging pathogens in the farm environment and mobilize specific research on new vaccine production for pathogen containment strategies.
Panos Christofilogiannis, director of Aquatreck, said “we are delighted to grow Aquatreck capacity through research alliances and are convinced that with the addition of the BioDetect team, we will be able to provide the industry with novel insights into the epidemiology of fish pathogens and health monitoring.”
Prof. George Tsiamis, director of BioDetect, mentioned, “we have developed novel methods for monitoring fish pathogens in the farm environment and we are excited to have Aquatreck as our strategic ally to fast track the process to bring novel diagnostic services to the aquaculture industry.”
Aquatreck research milestones and future plans
The company presented its recent research milestones and plans at a special event at Aquaculture Europe 2022.
Sixty fish health experts and fish management team members attended Aquatreck's invitation-only event. Panos Christofilogiannis, director of Aquatreck, introduced the company milestones and future plans. Professor Carlos Rodríguez Osorio from the University of Santiago de Compostela presented new insights into the virulence mechanisms of Pasteurella. Professor George Tsiamis, director of BioDetect, presented novel tools for epidemiological analysis in aquaculture and Sean Monaghan from the University of Stirling provided an update on the development of an orally administered novel sea lice vaccine targeting mucosal immunity.
The event concluded with the presentation of Aquatreck Pichia pastoris platform for the expression of fish antigens for the production of novel viral and parasitic vaccines by Ansgar Stratmann, Aquatreck director of biotechnology.
Pascual Rey, Aquatreck director, said that the “Aquatreck team has a lot of experience in fish vaccine research, manufacturing and field application and will have the first vaccines licensed in the Mediterranean in the third quarter of 2023. The company strategy is based on open innovation and the creation of a network with innovative research teams and SMEs and continuous interaction with fish farmers to optimize health management strategies. The Aquatreck event is part of this strategy to combat fish diseases based on good knowledge of the field conditions coupled with top-level R&D.”
