Sea lice resistance breakthrough

The company reports some extremely positive results with the Salmosan® Vet All-in-One program and its technical support team has gained some valuable experience regarding water quality parameters. Benchmark says it is vital that these are managed properly and extra vigilance is needed when holding fish for extended treatment periods. ­­

Salmosan® Vet All-in-One is a treatment program utilising the synergy between low salinity water and Salmosan® Vet to achieve maximum efficacy against sea lice and improve fish welfare by minimising stress. A low level of salinity is achieved when salmon held in the marine environment are introduced into freshwater treatment units e.g. well boats.

The program can be used to treat all stages of multi-resistant sea lice, with field trials demonstrating treatment efficacy up to 100%.

Research has found that work to date has demonstrated the optimum regime is a bath treatment consisting of three hours in low salinity water, with Salmosan® Vet added for the final 60 minutes (i.e. total treatment time of three hours). It is important for producers to adhere to this three-hour treatment time. Shorter treatment times will result in reduced efficacy and are likely to contribute to the development of resistance to both freshwater and azamethiphos.

Tank trials and subsequent commercial treatments using three hour Salmosan® Vet All-in-One program have killed all stages of lice, and lice populations previously showing resistance to azamethiphos were successfully treated with up to 100% clearance using this program.

Salmosan® Vet All-in-One also substantially reduces the time the fish need to spend in a low salinity water treatment, therefore reducing stress on the fish and allowing more efficient use of treatment facilities.

Benchmark says that when used as part of a strategic treatment plan, Salmosan® Vet All-in-One program is a significant next step for the effective control of sea lice.