Aquaculture Welfare

Aquaculture: Atlantic Salmon AGD Management

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) caused by Neoparamoeba perurans is a major welfare challenge for farmed Atlantic salmon, causing significant gill pathology.

Key Facts

AGD has spread to salmon farms across Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and other producing nations
Gill lesions from AGD cause mucus accumulation that impairs respiration and oxygen transfer
Freshwater treatments - bathing salmon in freshwater - is the primary treatment method
AGD prevalence increases with warming sea temperatures associated with climate change
Gill scoring systems enable monitoring of AGD severity and treatment timing

Welfare Considerations

AGD causes respiratory compromise through gill damage that impairs the fish's ability to extract oxygen from water. Severely affected fish show reduced activity, appetite loss, and surface behaviour indicating respiratory distress. Welfare-positive management requires regular gill scoring to detect AGD early and treatment before welfare is significantly compromised. Climate change is increasing AGD pressure across all salmon-farming regions.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certification schemes with AGD monitoring and treatment requirements
Advocate for mandatory gill health assessment protocols in salmon farming regulation
Choose salmon from certified farms with documented AGD management protocols
Support research into AGD prevention through selective breeding for resistance
Learn about gill health as a key welfare indicator in salmon aquaculture