Aquatic animal research group Onda, together with Belgium's citric acid and mycelium producer Citribel, announced the publication of new research highlighting the potential of fungi-derived feed ingredients to protect farmed salmon from harmful pathogens.

The study showcases the effectiveness of MycoFence, a supplement containing beta-glucans -- soluble fibers that come from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and some plants -- from the fungus Aspergillus niger, in boosting the immune response of Atlantic salmon.

The research focused on two common pathogens in aquaculture -- Tenacibaculum maritimum and Moritella viscosa -- which are known to cause severe infections in farmed fish.

Atlantic salmon were fed varying concentrations of MycoFence before being exposed to these pathogens. Fish receiving higher levels of this supplement showed a marked reduction in mortality rates compared to a control group that did not receive it, said the pair.