Developing a Vaccine: Coldwater Disease

Coldwater disease, the No. 1 disease facing the commercial sector of the Idaho trout industry, may soon be better controlled by an improved vaccine being developed by University of Idaho scientist Ken Cain, director of the Aquaculture Research Institute.

Cain and his research partners plan to enhance a vaccine and develop improved diagnostic techniques that will help prevent or control large outbreaks of coldwater disease and subsequently decrease the need for antibiotic treatments. Cain’s research will be conducted, in part, at the University’s $3.2 million biotechnology aquaculture laboratory located at Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station.

Impact

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Impacts from this project have been significant and this project initiated further research which is continuing to yield positive results toward the development of a vaccine or better control measures for this disease.

• Patent application filed (2008) in support of attenuated bacterial strain (recent work showing promise as a vaccine).
• Monoclonal antibodies have been licensed through the University of Idaho to ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, Inc. These are now commercially available to aquaculture facilities, diagnostic laboratories, or research labs.
• Current and Emerging Pathogens of Fishes in the Pacific Northwest (notebook/manual and CD), 2007
• Coldwater disease extension bulletin (published through Western Regional Aquaculture Center), 2004
  

Principal Contributors

Kenneth Cain
Professor; Associate Director of the Aquaculture Research Institute
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Douglas Call
Washington State University

Devendra Shah
Washington State University

Scott LaPatra
Clear Springs Foods