At the heart of global aquaculture, tilapia health is a strategic issue. Opened in 2021, our Virbac Aquaculture Technology Center (VATC) in Vietnam is much more than a laboratory: it is our central platform in the fight against microbial diseases. With its cutting-edge diagnostic expertise and ISO 17025 certification, the VATC is the cornerstone of our vaccine strategy, translating raw data into concrete solutions that are essential to Virbac's growth and credibility across three major continents.

Global mapping of tilapia diseases

The Virbac Aquaculture Technology Center (VATC) in Vietnam has established itself as an essential tool in the detection of microbial diseases in aquaculture, particularly those affecting tilapia. Using sophisticated methodologies, the VATC team contributes directly to the mapping of diseases and the development of tailored vaccines for our customers.

Samples from three continents are analyzed.

Each year, the VATC receives and analyzes an increasing volume of samples. In 2023, 1,439 samples (FTA cards) were received, resulting in a total of 6,031 parameter analyses performed. This number of analyses represents a significant increase (+75%) compared to 2022.
The samples come from several countries, mainly covering three regions: Africa, South and Central America, and Southeast Asia.

PCR analysis and prevalence determination

Diagnostics are performed using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or RT-PCR (Real-Time PCR or qPCR) methods. The latter allows the amount of DNA or RNA in the sample to be quantified, thus offering increased sensitivity.
The diagnostic laboratory, ISO 17025 certified since 2023, focuses on identifying major bacteria and viruses affecting warm-water fish, such as Streptococcus agalactiae (with serotyping Ia, Ib, and III) or ISKNV (Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus).

Compiling this raw data makes it possible to establish the prevalence of tilapia diseases in each country. For example, analysis of samples from 2023 (see Table 1) reveals significant regional prevalence for certain diseases, such as Francisella noatunensis in Southeast Asia (39.9%) and Edwardsiella ictaluri in Africa (24.0%).

An essential tool for vaccine development

These prevalence data are an asset for Virbac. They provide experts and Key Account Managers with the information they need to:

1. Identify priority threats in each geographical area.
2. Guide the development of new vaccines for warm-water fish and the geographical expansion of existing vaccines.
3. Optimize the vaccination programs recommended to our customers (tilapia farms).

The VATC's diagnostic expertise, backed by robust protocols and international certification (ISO 17025), reinforces the credibility of the results and is a cornerstone for the development of tilapia vaccination on three continents.

_{Table: Percentage of positive/suspected positive samples for major tilapia diseases by region in 2023}