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New vaccine targets Nodavirus in sea bass

Mediterranean producers and veterinarians associated with Mediterranean aquaculture were present at the recent launch of HIPRA’s new injectable vaccine against Nodavirus for sea bass, Icthiovac VNN.

Viral nervous necrosis currently represents the greatest challenge faced by fish farmers in the Mediterranean. The high prevalence of this disease means that intraperitoneal injection is an essential tool for prevention in order to ensure the viability of production, HIPRA said.

This monovalent vaccine stands out because of its adjuvant, Aquamun, a non-mineral oil that guarantees lasting protection and enhances the specific immune response, while minimizing any possible adverse reactions, the company explained.

“By registering Icthiovac VNN, a new solution against Nodavirus for sea bass, HIPRA reaffirms its commitment to prevention in Mediterranean aquaculture, providing innovation to the animal health industry,” HIPRA said in a statement.

At the launch event, Javier Sanz, marketing director at HIPRA, gave a brief introduction about the challenges that the Nodavirus currently presents to fish farming.

Albert Girons from Ictiovet, the reference consultancy company for disease in aquaculture, gave a detailed review of the impact of the Nodavirus on sea bream and sea bass farming in the Mediterranean, with special reference to the need for good diagnosis as well as prevention through vaccination and biosecurity.