A successful vaccination of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., against ‘Hitra disease’ or coldwater vibriosis

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Abstract
A Vibrio sp. causing the so‐called ‘Hitra disease’ or coldwater vibriosis affecting brood stock Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Norway, is described by serotyping. Bacteria collected from moribund Atlantic salmon affected by ‘Hitra disease’ in various parts of Norway, were shown to represent a homogeneous group of marine vibrio. A formalized bacterin was made from one isolate. Vaccination of Atlantic salmon parr was carried out by direct immersion in a formalized bacterin prepared from a Vibrio sp. associated with ‘Hitra‐disease.’ After 6 weeks the fish were revaccinated and transferred to net pens in the sea. Compared with unvaccinated controls, vaccinated fish demonstrated excellent protection when challenged 6 months later during a natural outbreak of coldwater vibriosis.