Tasmania’s salmon industry has received a boost with the development and implementation of a new vaccine against P. salmonis bacteria, just in time for the approaching summer months.
Every salmon in Tasmania’s south-east waters has now been vaccinated against the endemic bacteria that caused devastating mass mortalities in early 2025.
The vaccine was created by local scientists at the Centre for Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccines laboratories in Launceston.
John Whittington, CEO of industry body Salmon Tasmania, described the development as crucial for the industry’s preparation for summer conditions.
“The new vaccine is a major breakthrough. For the first time, we can vaccinate every salmon against the emerging endemic bacteria P. salmonis,” Whittington said.
“This means salmon will have a natural immune defence against the effects of the bacteria, which they weren’t able to have last summer.”
“While no vaccine is a silver bullet, this is a critically important new tool in our toolbox that the industry has been developing as we prepare for the challenges that come with warmer waters over summertime.”
“Like every primary industry, the continued development of vaccines is critically important to salmon aquaculture. They improve fish health, reduce antibiotic use and enhance survival rates,” he said.
The vaccine is the result of a 30-year collaboration between Tasmania’s salmon aquaculture industry and government bodies, bringing together specialists in microbiology, aquatic pathology and vaccine technology.
“The vaccines that we are able to develop right here in Tasmania are tailor-made for Tasmanian salmon and Tasmanian challenges,” Whittington said.
“This model is the envy of the world, with Tasmania leading the way in terms of vaccine innovation in aquaculture.”
Scientists will monitor the vaccine’s effectiveness throughout the summer season.
