The estimated annual cost of sea lice to the industry is expected to exceed USD 4 billion, according to EVAH.
EVAH
The Canadian biotech company EVAH has launched a veterinary medicinal feed product aimed at aquaculture producers, designed to combat sea lice in salmon and improve fish welfare.
In addition, the company, a specialist in sustainable animal health solutions, has filed a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application to seek patent protection in all relevant countries and regions.
"We're excited to bring this solution to the global stage. Sea lice have been a persistent, expensive, and painful challenge for too long in the farming of Atlantic salmon. While infestations occur naturally, the pressure on Atlantic farmed and also wild salmonids, such as rainbow trout and Arctic charr, has increased significantly. It's time to offer the entire sector a solution that truly works – and it works with nature, not against it," explained Michel Fortin, President & CEO of EVAH.
Including direct treatment costs and indirect costs arising from injuries, morbidity, mortality, and quality degradation, the estimated annual cost of this issue to the industry is expected to exceed USD 4 billion, according to EVAH.
EVAH's new product works with low doses, demonstrating an efficacy of over 99% in tank studies against all parasitic stages of sea lice, from the copepodite stage to adult lice.
"It offers the efficacy of the best historical treatments, but with none of the environmental baggage and low risk factors for resistance. At the same time, it enables producers to simplify operations, improve fish welfare, reduce input costs, while also enhancing the quality of harvested fish. Ultimately, this translates into greater economic benefits for the entire industry," explained Fortin.
In addition, in terms of sustainability, this feed solution is not bioaccumulative in the environment, requires fewer wellboats and mechanical equipment, and consequently reduces the carbon footprint of operations.
"Modern aquaculture cannot grow without novel solutions. Barracuda, our in-feed solution to combat sea lice in Atlantic salmon farming, shows that you don’t have to choose between profitability and responsibility. With this product, we can finally unlock both," concluded EVAH's CEO.
