Onda and Pathovet Launch International R&D Collaboration to Advance Aquatic Disease Models
We are pleased to announce the approval of a new international R&D grant under Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) International, supporting a collaborative initiative between Onda and Pathovet in Brazil.
This partnership brings together complementary scientific expertise from Canada and Brazil with a shared goal: advancing disease research that supports healthier, more resilient aquaculture systems in both regions and beyond.
The project is being led collaboratively, with Julianna Stangroom overseeing coordination of the Canadian scientific contribution. Miguel Fernández will be project lead on behalf of Pathovet and will focus on developing an Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) challenge model in tilapia, building on their deep regional knowledge and diagnostic experience within Brazilian aquaculture. In parallel, Onda will work with pathogens sourced from real-world Brazilian production cases to help establish contemporary challenge models reflecting diseases currently impacting the industry.
By combining Pathovet’s in-country expertise and access to field cases with Onda’s experience in pathogen culture, controlled challenge studies, and model validation, the collaboration is designed to create scientifically robust and commercially relevant disease models. These models are essential tools for vaccine developers, therapeutics companies, and feed innovators seeking reliable efficacy data under realistic pathogen conditions.
An equally important outcome of the project is the establishment of clearer regulatory and operational pathways for the safe and compliant movement of biological materials between Canada and Brazil. Through shared protocols for pathogen culture, storage, and transport, both organizations are laying groundwork that strengthens future international collaboration and enables more efficient, globally connected research programs.
This grant represents more than a single study. It reflects a growing international approach to aquaculture health challenges, one that recognizes disease pressure does not respect borders and that meaningful progress requires cross-regional cooperation. By working together, Onda and Pathovet are building shared capacity, expanding technical knowledge, and contributing to research infrastructure that benefits the broader aquaculture sector.
We look forward to advancing this work together and to sharing updates as the project progresses.