Aquatic Animal Health

Our research programs concentrate on determining the causes of diseases in fish (particularly salmonids) and shellfish with emphasis on the development of methods for detection, prevention, and control of disease in government salmon enhancement and commercial aquaculture facilities. Staff also participate in identifying and understanding the biology of infectious diseases that impact wild stocks.

A key aspect of our research is investigating and documenting the variety, distribution and prevalence of pathogens(bacterial, viral and parasitic) in our coastal waters. In conducting this research, emphasis is placed on understanding the modes of disease transmission such that methods to help prevent or mitigate problems can be identified. Research directed towards the production and testing of vaccines and assessment of immunostimulants is also undertaken. Other research endeavours include investigating pathogenicity and genetic differences of various isolates of the same species of pathogen from distant locations to identify heterogeneity and possible transplant concerns and surveying for infectious agents among commercial shellfish experiencing unexplained diseases or mortalities. This research is in direct support of all sectors of the wild fishery and our aquaculture industry and is critical to the delivery of our regulatory responsibilities related to fish health.

Excellent facilities for histopathological (including light and electron microscopic examinations) and molecular (DNA) analysis of diseased fish and shellfish as well as facilities to isolate pathogen in culture or quarantined living hosts are available at the Pacific Biological Station. Our professional staff have extensive expertise on viral, bacterial, protistan and metazoan pathogens of wild and aquaculture species in British Columbia as well as extensive knowledge of pathogens found in aquatic organisms from other parts of the world. Our staff has extensive experience in conducting collaborative research projects with the aquaculture industry and various academic institutions as well as other stakeholders involved in various sectors of our coastal fisheries.

Contact

Aquatic Animal Health Section Head
Dr. Simon Jones
Tel: 250-729-8351
Fax: 250-756-7053
E-mail: simon.jones@dfo-mpo.gc.ca