Scientists from the University of Glasgow have discovered a ‘simple test’ to help the diagnosis of a significant disease which affects Atlantic salmon.
The study, Journal of Fish Diseases, includes the findings of the university which has been working with BioMar and Marine Harvest. It includes data showing that a simple measurement procedure could be used to detect Atlantic salmon infected with salmonid alpha virus which causes Pancreas Disease.
David Eckersall, professor of veterinary biochemistry, said: “The serendipitous discovery of the SPR has allowed a potentially powerful diagnostic test to be developed that could have significant applications in the future.”
He added: “This collaborative study, funded by a BBSRC CASE PhD studentship for our colleague Mark Braceland and supported by the aquaculture industry, has made a major contribution to the health and welfare of salmon.”
“If this SPR test can be applied to other diseases and species of fish then the benefit will be even greater. This is an excellent example of the benefit of academia-industry links supported by the BBSRC CASE studentship scheme.”
Researchers found that salmon with Pancreas Disease had a major change in the proteins present in the blood, and further to that, that these protein changes could be detected using a simple procedure.
The test, called a selective precipitation reaction (SPR), has been patented by the team and could potentially be developed into a rapid analysis system allowing the disease to be diagnosed much earlier than is currently possible.
This would mean that the test could be applied at a fish farm, allowing for quick diagnosis of the disease and early treatment.
Current testing requires sample submissions being sent to laboratories, a process that can take several days before results are available.
Dr Dave Cockerill of Marine Harvest, concluded: “SPR gives us an opportunity to put in place an early warning system for detection of significant pathology in fish.”
“In particular it appears to be a non-specific indicator of this type of disease and this sets it apart from other diagnostic tools which test for specific known disease agents. SPR could become the early indicator that further specific investigation is required.”
