Proof of principle evaluation of the safety and efficacy of novel Tenacibaculum antigens against Tenacibaculum sp. in Atlantic salmon.
The primary objective of this study is to screen novel antigens against a current antigen in order to improve the efficacy and safety of tenacibaculosis vaccines. This will be achieved by assessing the capacity of experimental vaccines formulated with new antigens to protect Atlantic salmon against experimental immersion challenge with Tenacibaculum sp. at 852 degree-days post-vaccination, as well as determining their safety profile immediately post-vaccination and at 840 degree-days post-vaccination. Serum and skin mucus will also be collected 840-degree day post vaccination (pre-challenge) to evaluate the specific antibody response to vaccination, which will assist in the development of a potency test. At study termination day, a sub-sample of surviving fish will also be sampled for serum and skin mucus in order to determine their specific antibody response. The safety scoring will also be assessed at this point. The Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry incurs major economic losses due to tenacibaculosis in Canada and Norway. Utilization of an in vivo challenge model to assess the efficacy of novel vaccine formulations is necessary for the development and commercialisation of a product. Commercialisation of vaccine that reduce mortality and downgrading of fish will improve fish welfare and the productivity and viability of this significant aquaculture sector.
A total of 1572 salmon will be used in the study of which 1155 will be vaccinated and VIE tagged. A total of 30 salmon will be used for pre-immunization screening and 387 non-vaccinated salmon will be used positive controls/non-vaccinated group.
Some fish will experience disease. To reduce their suffering and discomfort to a minimum, strict surveillance of humane endpoint will be enforced. The objectives of the study cannot be carried out without the use of laboratory fish. The number of fish used is reduced to the minimum for what is necessary to provide sufficient quality data.
A total of 1572 salmon will be used in the study of which 1155 will be vaccinated and VIE tagged. A total of 30 salmon will be used for pre-immunization screening and 387 non-vaccinated salmon will be used positive controls/non-vaccinated group.
Some fish will experience disease. To reduce their suffering and discomfort to a minimum, strict surveillance of humane endpoint will be enforced. The objectives of the study cannot be carried out without the use of laboratory fish. The number of fish used is reduced to the minimum for what is necessary to provide sufficient quality data.