Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Vaccination and Welfare

How vaccination programs in salmon farming have dramatically reduced antibiotic use and improved fish welfare over three decades.

Key Facts

Norway reduced antibiotic use in salmon farming by over 99% since the late 1980s through vaccination
Vaccines against furunculosis, vibriosis, and other diseases are now standard
Adjuvanted vaccines cause injection site reactions requiring welfare consideration
Oral and immersion vaccines are being developed to reduce injection stress
Vaccination success depends on correct administration technique and fish size/health

Welfare Considerations

Salmon vaccination is one of the great success stories of aquaculture welfare, eliminating the need for mass antibiotic use that caused disease and suffering. Continuing to improve vaccine delivery methods reduces the welfare cost of immunization itself.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards that require vaccination programs over antibiotic prophylaxis
Advocate for research into less invasive vaccine delivery methods
Choose salmon from certified farms with comprehensive disease prevention programs