Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Salmon Disease Challenge 3Rs

The 3Rs framework - Replace, Reduce, Refine - applies to salmon disease challenge models used in vaccine research. Applying 3Rs in aquaculture research minimises welfare costs while advancing fish health science.

Key Facts

Challenge studies expose salmon to pathogens to test vaccine efficacy
Humane endpoints for salmon disease challenges are less well-defined than for mammals
In vitro cell culture systems can replace some fish challenge studies
Refined infection routes and lower doses reduce suffering in necessary challenge studies
3Rs principles are increasingly incorporated into aquaculture research ethics reviews

Welfare Considerations

Salmon used in vaccine challenge studies may experience significant disease symptoms as part of research necessary to protect the larger aquaculture population. Applying 3Rs principles - developing in vitro replacements where possible, reducing numbers through improved experimental design, and refining procedures to minimise suffering - reduces the welfare cost of this research.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture research institutions with active 3Rs programmes
Advocate for 3Rs principles to be required in aquaculture research funding
Choose salmon from companies that invest in welfare-conscious vaccine research