New research conducted by the Norwegian institute Nofima states ultraviolet (UV) light is a promising method for controlling the parasite Spironucleus salmonicida in Atlantic salmon hatcheries.
Infections typically begin in freshwater hatcheries, and eradicating the parasite has proven difficult until now.
Nofima researchers tested two types of UV lamps, low-pressure and medium-pressure, in controlled experiments. Results showed that medium-pressure lamps were significantly more effective, eliminating all parasites at doses of 50 mJ/cm² or higher. Even lower doses weakened the parasites, causing death within 48 hours, according to the study.
"With medium-pressure lamps, we saw no surviving parasites at a dose of 50 mJ/cm² or higher," said research manager Lill-Heidi Johansen of Nofima.
New experiments will test the UV dose in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and explore complementary ozone treatments. Senior researcher Carlo Lazado emphasized the importance of identifying the parasite's location within RAS systems to refine disinfection strategies.
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