Veterinary Medicines Directorate Grants Marketing Authorisation for AQUAVAC® S7

AQUAVAC® S7 represents a significant advancement in aquaculture, as it is a multivalent, oil-based vaccine designed specifically for farmed Atlantic salmon.

Introduction of AQUAVAC® S7

MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), has received marketing authorisation from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) for the AQUAVAC® S7 vaccine, aimed at protecting Atlantic salmon in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Indications and Benefits

The vaccine is indicated for active immunisation of Atlantic salmon, significantly reducing mortality rates from seven common diseases affecting the species in European aquaculture, specifically:

• Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV)
• Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida (furunculosis)
• Aliivibrio salmonicida (cold-water vibriosis)
• Vibrio anguillarum serotype O1 and O2a (vibriosis)
• Moritella viscosa (winter ulcer disease)
• Yersinia ruckeri (yersiniosis)

The AQUAVAC S7 vaccine offers rapid onset of immunity: 469 degree days (dd) for M. viscosa, 500 dd for the other bacterial components, and 517 dd for IPNV. Furthermore, it ensures a duration of immunity of 7 months against IPNV and 12 months against bacterial pathogens.

Composition and Safety Innovations

AQUAVAC S7 is formulated with inactivated whole cell antigens from various pathogens, allowing for a total dose volume of only 0.05 ml. Notably, this product is free from serum components, enhancing fish welfare and safety, as evidenced by comprehensive safety studies.

Expert Insights

Dafydd Morris, Executive Director, Aqua Lead – EURAM at MSD Animal Health, stated:

“This vaccine is innovative not only in how it works, but in how it can be used. As it includes Yersinia ruckeri, this serum-free vaccine represents a good combination for customers who want to protect against yersiniosis.”

Commitment to Aquaculture

Rodrigo Belmonte, R&D Director at MSD Animal Health, commented on the significance of AQUAVAC S7:

“AQUAVAC S7 is an important scientific step forward for fish health as it is our first heptavalent fish vaccine formulated serum-free. By improving immunity and reducing disease pressure, this vaccine supports stronger fish welfare and gives farmers a reliable way to reduce losses and improve productivity.”

Conclusion

The AQUAVAC S7 vaccine represents a pivotal development in the field of aquaculture, highlighting MSD Animal Health’s commitment to innovating fish health solutions. As the first aqua product registered following MSD’s acquisition of the Elanco aqua business, it marks a promising future for both farmers and fish welfare alike.

Image: ©Fish Focus