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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209672
Title: Tilapia Vaccines: Important Disease Prevention, Biosecurity Tools

Author
item Klesius, Phillip
item Shoemaker, Craig
item Evans, Joyce

Submitted to: Global Aquaculture Advocate
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/16/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2007
Citation: Klesius, P.H., Shoemaker, C.A., Evans, J.J. 2007. Tilapia Vaccines: Important Disease Prevention, Biosecurity Tools. Global Aquaculture Advocate May/June page 76, 78.

Interpretive Summary: Minimizing the effects of disease is crucial to prevent mortality, morbidity and to promote rapid growth and optimal feed conversion of tilapia cultured in fresh, estuarine and marine waters. Vaccination, a valuable biosecurity safeguard, can protect tilapia against infectious diseases. Vaccination provides pathogen-specific acquired immunity that can prevent recurring infections. The high feed conversion, fast growth, high reproduction and ease of production makes Nile tilapia one of most widely cultured fish species in the world. In contrast to what was believed during the early years of intense culture, the Nile tilapia is highly susceptible to disease. Thus the profit to the producers and the consumers product costs are affected. The demands of the consumers, environmental and government groups for wholesome tilapia products and for an environment free of potentially harmful drugs and chemicals in aquaculture have increased and will continue to grow. The tilapia industry can meet these challenges with better health management practices that include the use of vaccines to prevent diseases and increase economic predictability and profitability. Vaccines are an integral part of a health management plan. The scope of information available on vaccines for tilapia and mass delivery systems is very limited.

Technical Abstract: Minimizing the effects of disease is crucial to prevent mortality, morbidity and to promote rapid growth and optimal feed conversion of tilapia cultured in fresh, estuarine and marine waters. Vaccination, a valuable biosecurity safeguard, can protect tilapia against infectious diseases. Vaccination provides pathogen-specific acquired immunity that can prevent recurring infections.