Blue Analytics has deep expertise and long experience in solving a wide range of fish health challenges. We support with disease diagnosis, risk assessments, and complex cases that require a thorough, multi-angle approach. In addition, we can prepare professional assessments to support applications to the authorities.
Here are some of the counselling services we offer:
Disease detection
In the event of disease outbreaks in fish farms, it is crucial to identify the cause of the disease and the source of infection. For example, in the case of IPN mortality, the disease may be caused by house strains or due to a weakened immune system in the fish. In such cases, we can find out if the IPN-QTL status (genetic resistance) of the fish matches the expected protection.
More detailed analyses can also identify specific variants of the disease agent, providing a better basis for preventive measures and safeguarding fish health and welfare.
Sampling regimes for disease detection
Blue Analytics can recommend sampling regimes customised to the individual production. Systematic sampling, with the right frequency and scope, ensures early detection of pathogens.
To identify pathogenic organisms in low concentrations, water filtration can be a gentle and effective method. This eliminates the need to sample fish and makes it possible to detect pathogens before disease develops. The method can also document the absence of disease, providing better health monitoring and good fish health.
Alternative or new methods for unclear cases of disease
In some cases, traditional diagnostic methods cannot provide sufficient answers to the causes of disease. This can lead to restrictions being imposed on facilities due to suspicion of a notifiable disease, but without pathogens being found.
In such situations, Blue Analytics can assist in developing or using alternative methods to detect or exclude specific agents. In order for such methods to be approved by the authorities, documentation and knowledge are required, which Blue Analytics can help with.
Advice and documentation for applications for autogenous vaccines
If a disease is not adequately covered by available commercial vaccines, autogenous vaccines emerge as a possible solution. There may be new variants or new bacteria that are a recurring problem in fish populations in a facility.
To produce autogenous vaccines, an application must be submitted to the Norwegian Medicines Agency, with the necessary documentation of the bacterial isolate and an assessment of its suitability for vaccine production.
Blue Analytics can assist with both counselling and the preparation of a scientific basis for the application. This may include analyses of the bacterium’s properties and a professional assessment of the need for a vaccine. After approval, the vaccine can be produced nationally or internationally.
Contact person for consultancy:
Øyvind Vågnes
Head of Diagnostics
Call +47 414 11 626