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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - ParaFishControl (Advanced Tools and Research Strategies for Parasite Control in European farmed fish)

Teaser

Summary

The goal of ParaFishControl is to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the EU aquaculture industry by improving our understanding of fish-parasite interactions and by developing innovative solutions and tools for the prevention, control and mitigation of the most harmful parasitic species affecting the main European farmed fish species. Parasites and related infections can cause significant damages to farmed fish and can result in poor growth performance, impaired welfare, and high mortality rates with significant consequences.

Work performed

WP1
Next generation sequencing of parasites\' transcriptomes and genomes is progressing. Several in vitro culture methods and experimental in vivo infection models for fish parasites were established. RNA sequencing of host responses to these parasites is progressing.
WP2
For Sparicotyle chrysophrii and Ceratothoa oestroides isolated from wild and farmed fish, RAD-sequencing allowed us to identify the best markers for differentiation between wild/farmed parasite populations. For Saprolegnia spp., samples from farmed and wild fish were stored as pure viable isolates. Previously collected data on Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was tested in new mathematical models.
WP3
Fundamental advances were made to screen and test potential vaccine candidates for different parasites. Promising protection was found for I. multifiliis and Philasterides dicentrarchi. Initial protection was also achieved for some vaccine candidates of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae. In-feed immunostimulants were successful against the effects of Enteromyxum leei and showed benefits against P. dicentrarchi in turbot, white spot in trout and Sphaerospora molnari in common carp.
WP4
The development, validation, and improvement of diagnostic methods with applicability in different scenarios is in progress: from reference confirmatory methods to point-of-care quick methods or assorted tests and markers for epidemiological, life cycles, and host-parasite interactions research. The collection of diagnostic methods for the main parasitic diseases of European farmed fish in a repository is progressing.
WP5
Natural and synthetic compounds were tested. Some chemicals are already being applied in aquaculture based on recommendations from the project. One new probiotic bacterial compound showed promising activity against three important parasites and a patent was granted. Development of parasite-specific antibodies was initiated and gene-constructs encoding molecules able to block hyper-immune reactions developed. Experiments aiming at preventing transmission of fish viruses by cleanerfish predating on salmon sealice are in progress. The evaluation of ultrasound for treatment of parasite infected water showed promising parasite-killing effects, though its economic viability is doubtful.
WP6
Literature reviews were done to identify potential risk factors for parasites. The impact of these risk factors was assessed for Mediterranean parasites through consultation with a variety of experts. Epidemiological studies have been done across numerous farms to generate data to feed into an economic model and into integrated pest management strategies. The economic model will beta version has been delivered, it will form the basis of the online tool, and the management strategies will be presented later in the project. The biobank and associated database are receiving samples.
WP7
More than 7,000 farmed fish including gilthead sea bream, European sea bass, turbot, Atlantic salmon, marine rainbow trout, rainbow trout, and common carp were obtained from fish farms located in 6 countries, including runts and farms close to cetacean sanctuary. Primary and secondary processed products from supermarkets were also included. Detection and identification of parasites by sequencing were carried out. No zoonotic parasites were found in any fish at the level of confidence of 99%. Management and innovative strategies were developed, such as a rapid kit to identify the presence of Anisakis as a point of care directly in the fish farms.
WP8
The Dissemination and Exploitation Plan was updated. Several tools were developed to facilitate promotion and awareness of the project. A Knowledge Output Template was developed to manage the knowledge. An Industry Forum was set up to exchange knowledge between the consortium and industry. Almost 50 scientific publications were published, one patent granted, one patent under evaluation, more than 100 scientific presentations given at national and international confe

Final results

WP1
The complementary expertise of the research and industrial partners led to the development of several innovative in vitro and in vivo set-ups to study host-parasite interactions. This progress will form the basis for the development of vaccines and high-throughput screening of pharmaceutical drugs against parasites as described in other WPs.
WP2
Genetic markers and assays were developed to assess the potential transfer of parasites between wild and farmed fish. These outputs will help define the most appropriate measures to minimise wild/farmed fish interactions, increase protection of wild fish populations, and commercial and recreational fisheries. In social terms, reduction of wild/farmed interactions will reduce the antagonism between wild fishery and aquaculture stakeholders.
WP3
The latest approaches on vaccinology, immunology and nutrition were used to develop new vaccines and immuno-stimulants. Promising vaccines and immunostimulants are being identified, and one or two of them may have wide-ranging impact on the management of parasitic diseases.
WP4
Highly accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools and methods to detect parasites in fish and in the environment are being developed. The impact of these improved tools will be crucial for an early detection of parasites, assisting stakeholders involved in management (diagnostic labs, fish health professionals and farmers) to quickly decide upon the most appropriate strategies to prevent spread of the disease.
WP5
New findings were made. The work resulted in four publications in scientific journals. A few chemical formalin substitute candidates for treatment of skin parasites were implemented in commercial aquaculture. The full impact will be assessed later on.
WP6
New information on risk factors of Mediterranean parasites provided a solid basis for epidemiological studies and the development of pest management strategies and online tools for farmers. These outputs will improve the management and control of the parasites considered, all of which cause the industry significant losses. Focusing on the economics of management, the outputs will improve the viability of the industry.
WP7
The absence of zoonotic helminths in the extensive surveys carried out in farmed fish throughout Europe will increase the competitiveness of Europe aquaculture sector against the fish product imported from third parties producing a remarkable socio-economic impact in this industrial sector and increasing the confidence of the final consumer in the aquaculture products.
WP8
Outcomes were transferred to the appropriate stakeholders, including industry representatives. The project is creating knowledge which will benefit the aquaculture sector: financial losses due to parasitic diseases will decrease, profit at company and European levels will increase, and more jobs will be created.