MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health) has introduced AQUAVAC® PD3, a single-injection vaccine that protects against the three main pathogens affecting salmon in the UK and Ireland.

MSD Animal Health has introduced AQUAVAC® PD3

MSD Animal Health has introduced AQUAVAC® PD3

The vaccine protects against pancreas disease - one of the most costly diseases affecting the salmon industry - as well as furunculosis and infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN).

Prior to AQUAVAC PD3, two separate injections were administered to protect fish against pancreas disease and other major salmon diseases. Multiple injections not only increase the workload for fish farmers, but can negatively impact fish welfare and growth due to increased handling and extra feed withdrawal periods.

“AQUAVAC PD3 was developed in response to requests from fish farmers for a combination vaccine that protects against major diseases with a single injection,” said Chris Beattie, Ph.D., Head, Global Aquaculture, MSD Animal Health.

Laboratory tests and field trials have demonstrated that AQUAVAC PD3 provides at least 16 months protection against furunculosis and at least 15 months against pancreas disease. In addition, trials have demonstrated a reduction in shedding of salmon pancreas disease virus. Protection against mortality due to IPNV infection has been demonstrated at four months in the field.

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