A New Era for Disease Management in Aquaculture

As global demand for sustainable seafood rises, so does the pressure to find effective, environmentally friendly solutions to persistent health challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the management of bacterial infection such as Yersinia ruckeri, a pathogen notorious for impacting juvenile rainbow trout and other farmed fish. Traditional responses have relied heavily on vaccines and antibiotics but growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance and regulatory restrictions have made these approaches increasingly unsustainable.

Vetagro,  an Italian biotech company specializing in animal nutrition with over four decades of experience in developing advanced feed additives has pioneered microencapsulation technology, which protects sensitive bioactive ingredients as they travel through the digestive system, ensuring they reach their target site without degradation. This approach not only boosts the efficacy of natural compounds but also allows for lower dosages—reducing both costs and environmental impact.

Vetagro’s latest breakthrough is the development of microencapsulated phytogenic blends—plant-derived compounds designed to enhance fish health and combat disease. Onda & Vetagro designed a study that first screened the phytogenic compounds in the lab, then moved to live trials with juvenile rainbow trout. This two-stage approach ensured that only the most promising candidates advanced to real-world testing, maximizing both efficiency and effectiveness.

The findings were striking. Not only did the juvenile trout readily accept the prototype feeds—demonstrating the palatability and practicality of the formulations—but two of the tested prototypes led to a significant reduction in mortality rates from Yersinia ruckeri infection. Specifically, the risk of death dropped by 26.3% and 29.3% in the treated groups compared to controls.

These results highlight the dual benefits of Vetagro’s microencapsulated phytogenics: effective disease control and improved overall fish health. For producers, this means a viable, sustainable alternative to antibiotics—one that aligns with consumer expectations and regulatory trends.

As the aquaculture sector continues to evolve, the success of Vetagro’s microencapsulated phytogenics signals a broader shift toward science-driven, sustainable solutions. The industry’s willingness to adopt such innovations will be key to meeting global food demands while protecting animal welfare and the environment.

For businesses across aquaculture, now is the time to explore how cutting-edge feed technologies and collaborative research can drive both profitability and long-term resilience. Let’s work together for a more sustainable future!