MSD Animal Health has announced that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has granted marketing authorisation for a new heptavalent vaccine for farmed Atlantic salmon in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The AQUAVAC S7 oil-based vaccine is designed to provide protection against a wide range of bacterial and viral diseases affecting salmon production, including infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), furunculosis, cold-water vibriosis, vibriosis, winter ulcer disease and yersiniosis.
“This vaccine is innovative not only in how it works, but in how it can be used,” said Dafydd Morris, executive director, aqua lead – EURAM at MSD Animal Health.
“As it includes Yersinia ruckeri, this serum-free vaccine represents a good combination for customers who want to protect against yersiniosis.”
According to the company, the vaccine delivers a rapid onset of immunity, ranging from 469 to 517 degree days depending on the pathogen, with protection lasting up to seven months for IPNV and 12 months for bacterial diseases. It is formulated using inactivated whole cell antigens and is administered in a compact 0.05 ml dose.
A key innovation is its serum-free formulation, which enhances fish welfare and safety while maintaining strong immunological performance. The inclusion of protection against Yersinia ruckeri is also expected to be particularly valuable for producers managing yersiniosis risk.
The launch marks the first aquaculture product registered by MSD Animal Health following its acquisition of the Elanco aqua business, underlining the company’s long-term commitment to the sector.
Rodrigo Belmonte added: “AQUAVAC S7 is an important scientific step forward for fish health as it is our first heptavalent fish vaccine formulated serum-free. By improving immunity and reducing disease pressure, this vaccine supports stronger fish welfare and gives farmers a reliable way to reduce losses and improve productivity.”
