Selective breeding programmes for disease resistance in farmed salmon, trout, and tilapia are delivering welfare benefits through reduced disease burden.
Key Facts
Evidence-based research supports welfare improvements in aquaculture genetics disease resistance
Millions of animals benefit from better aquaculture welfare practices
Individual actions and policy change both drive welfare improvements
Science, advocacy, and consumer choice are all important levers for change
Progress is achievable and measurable across this welfare domain
Welfare Considerations
Genetic improvement for disease resistance reduces welfare burden across fish generations.
What You Can Do
Support welfare-focused aquaculture genetics research
Choose products from farms using disease-resistant genetics
Advocate for welfare trait inclusion in aquaculture breeding objectives
Raise awareness of genetics as long-term welfare tool