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Evaluating novel methods for preventing Aeromonas-associated losses in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) using laboratory and field-based vaccination trial

Duration:
-

Description

Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens; YP) is a priority species within the North Central Region (NCR), and yet few resources have been devoted to improving their health on farms, a matter complicated by the apparent emergence of several YP-pathogenic Aeromonas spp. across the upper Midwest. Dr. Smith recently developed a novel approach for immersion vaccinating young (<1-week-old) salmonids against Aeromonas salmonicida, without handling the fry (i.e., no handling stress). Using this method, vaccinated fish showed robust protective immunity exceeding 5 years, translating to farm survivability boosts of 40% pre-vaccination to >95% post-vaccination. Using this promising approach, our team proposes to extend this method to effectively vaccinate YP against predominating Aeromonas strains affecting YP across the NCR. The bivalent bacterin (i.e., vaccine) will be produced by Kennebec River Biosciences through United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved means and administered to YP under laboratory conditions. Vaccinated and control (i.e., mock-vaccinated) YP will then be challenged with an A. salmonicida strain previously recovered from an NCR YP mortality event and protective effects determined. Likewise, the protective effects of this vaccine and procedure will be assessed under farm conditions under multiple scenarios (e.g., multiple densities) in conjunction with pre- and post-treatment veterinary health assessments.

Objectives:

  1. To assess the protective effectiveness of a new vaccination approach and preparation against Aeromonas infections in farm raised Yellow Perch.
  2. To assess the protective effectiveness of a new vaccination approach and preparation against Aeromonas infections in Yellow Perch under controlled laboratory conditions.

Duration: 1 year (04/01/2021 - 12/31/2022)

Participants

  • Thomas P Loch - Michigan State University
  • Robert K Smith - Clayton Veterinary Care
  • Matthew A Smith - The Ohio State University
  • William West - Blue Iris Fish Farm, LLC

Project Outline

Project

Termination Report

Award Amount

$35000.00

Award Number

2018-38500-28887