ParaFishControl aims to develop advanced tools and research strategies for parasite control in European farmed finfish
First published in International Aquafeed, March-April 2016
First published in International Aquafeed, March-April 2016
ParaFishControl (Advanced Tools and Research Strategies for Parasite Control in European farmed fish) is a €8.1 million European Union Horizon 2020-funded research project that aims to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the European aquaculture industry by improving our understanding of fishparasite interactions and developing innovative solutions and tools to prevent, control and mitigate harmful parasites which affect the main finfish species farmed in Europe (Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, common carp, turbot, European sea bass, and gilthead sea bream). ParaFishControl addresses the most harmful parasitic species affecting either one or more of these six fish hosts.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal food production sector worldwide, currently providing half of all aquatic animals for human consumption. If responsibly developed and practiced, aquaculture can generate lasting benefits for global food security and economic growth. However, the aquaculture industry faces a number of challenges to its progress including the significant issue of disease outbreaks.
Financial losses due to disease outbreaks are estimated at 20% of total production value, and parasites and related infections are increasingly responsible for such diseases. Economic losses inflicted by parasites accrue from direct mortalities, morbidity, poor growth performance, low reproduction efficacy, increased susceptibility to other diseases, high cost of treatments and decreased value or marketability of fish products.
Exact data on the economic impact of parasites in aquaculture is scarce but it is estimated that the highest economic cost for parasite control in European aquaculture amasses from sea lice infecting Atlantic salmon, the main farmed fish species in Europe. European nations and associates spend €170 million annually to control sea lice, with annual global losses estimated to exceed €300 million. Parasites can also affect the end users of aquaculture products and therefore their monitoring and eradication are essential for ensuring the safety of European consumers.
Read the full article in International Aquafeed HERE.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal food production sector worldwide, currently providing half of all aquatic animals for human consumption. If responsibly developed and practiced, aquaculture can generate lasting benefits for global food security and economic growth. However, the aquaculture industry faces a number of challenges to its progress including the significant issue of disease outbreaks.
Financial losses due to disease outbreaks are estimated at 20% of total production value, and parasites and related infections are increasingly responsible for such diseases. Economic losses inflicted by parasites accrue from direct mortalities, morbidity, poor growth performance, low reproduction efficacy, increased susceptibility to other diseases, high cost of treatments and decreased value or marketability of fish products.
Exact data on the economic impact of parasites in aquaculture is scarce but it is estimated that the highest economic cost for parasite control in European aquaculture amasses from sea lice infecting Atlantic salmon, the main farmed fish species in Europe. European nations and associates spend €170 million annually to control sea lice, with annual global losses estimated to exceed €300 million. Parasites can also affect the end users of aquaculture products and therefore their monitoring and eradication are essential for ensuring the safety of European consumers.
Read the full article in International Aquafeed HERE.
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