Scientists, working with major firms in the aquaculture industry, have developed a simple test to aid the diagnosis of a disease which can cost fish farms millions of pounds to eradicate.
Findings published in a scientific journal include data showing the test could easily be used to detect Atlantic salmon infected with salmonid alpha virus, which causes pancreas disease.
While harmless for consumers, the virus can cause substantial losses on fish farms.
The Glasgow University researchers found that salmon with the disease experienced major changes in the proteins present in their blood, and these could be detected using the simple procedure.
The test, called a selective precipitation reaction (SPR), has now been patented by the team.
Current testing requires sample submissions being sent to laboratories, a process that can take several days before results are available.
Research team leader David Eckersall said: “The serendipitous discovery of the SPR has allowed a potentially powerful diagnostic test to be developed that could have significant applications in the future.
“If this SPR test can be applied to other diseases and species of fish, then the benefit will be even greater.”
Research partners included salmon feed firm BioMar and fish farm operator Marine Harvest (Scotland).
BioMar senior researcher John Tinsley said: “The collaboration with Professor Eckersall and the University of Glasgow has been a great success and we would like it to continue.
“The project not only developed a highly applicable diagnostic test for the industry, but produced numerous peer reviewed articles and advanced our knowledge of fish health and welfare.”
Marine Harvest (Scotland) fish health manager Dave Cockerill added: “SPR gives us an opportunity to put in place an early warning system for detection of significant pathology in fish.”
