Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a novel vaccine to control the bacterial pathogen, Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), in fish. S. agalactiae has been associated with significant mortalities among a variety of freshwater, estuarine, and marine fish species. Economic losses of a number of wild and cultured fish species can annually exceed $100 million due to S. agalactiae. Currently, no antibiotics are available to treat the pathogen. This vaccine protects fish against multiple isolates of S. agalactiae. The vaccine consists of whole killed S. agalactiae cells and concentrated extract from S. agalactiae broth culture. It can be administered to fish weighing five grams or more by injection, or bath immersion. In addition, the vaccine may be incorporated into microcapsules, and fed to fish to provide protection.

Successful prevention of fish streptococcal disease with this vaccine will increase the viability and productivity of economically important fish species. The vaccine has no adverse effects on either the fish or persons eating the fish. The benefits of using this vaccine far outweigh the costs of the vaccine and immunization. The farmer yields $100-$300 more per acre because the fish may eat more, grow faster and suffer less mortality.

Vaccine manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies are targeted for this technology.

Please refer to patent application S.N. 10/807,575 (Docket #0170.03), "Streptococcus Agalactiae Vaccine," which was filed on March 18, 2004. Foreign rights are not available.