ARS | Publication request: Fish Vaccine Development and Use to Prevent Streptococcal Diseases

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 20, 2009
Publication Date: March 27, 2009
Citation: Klesius, P.H. 2009. Fish Vaccine Development and Use to Prevent Streptococcal Diseases [abstract]. 44th Annual Veterinary Medical Symposium. March 27, 2009, Tuskegee, AL. p. 22.

Technical Abstract: An important pathogen of tilapia, hybrid striped bass and trout raised in intensive aquaculture is Streptococcus sp., a cause of severe economic losses in the fish farming industry. Infected fish experience severe to moderate mortality due to Streptococcus iniae and/or S. agalactiae. The diseased fish also exhibit missing eyes, exophthalmic, cloudy eyes, skin lesions, erratic swimming and lethargy. We developed and patented vaccines against S. iniae and S. agalactiae. The vaccines are modified killed vaccines that consist of formalin-killed cells supplemented with molecular fractioned extracellular product. These vaccines are licensed, manufactured and used to prevent streptococcal infections. The results of both experimental trials and on farm uses show that these vaccines are both safe and efficacious.