Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Disease Challenge 3Rs

Applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) to salmon disease challenge testing reduces animal suffering while maintaining scientific value.

Key Facts

Challenge testing exposes fish to pathogens to test vaccine efficacy
3Rs principles applied to aquaculture challenge testing are increasingly required by regulators
Cell culture models can replace some fish challenge tests for initial efficacy screening
Minimum group sizes based on power analysis reduce fish numbers without compromising statistical validity
Humane endpoints that end suffering before death are achievable in most challenge models

Welfare Considerations

Disease challenge testing causes real suffering in fish subjects. Applying 3Rs principles - replacing animal tests where possible, reducing numbers, and refining protocols to minimise suffering - makes this essential research more ethical.

What You Can Do

Support organisations developing 3Rs approaches for aquaculture disease research
Advocate for 3Rs requirements in aquaculture research funding and regulatory frameworks
Engage with vaccine companies about their 3Rs commitments in fish challenge testing