ONDA EXPANDS TENACIBACULUM STUDY MODELS TO BETTER SUPPORT AQUACULTURE HEALTH WORLDWIDE

Onda expands Tenacibaculum study models to better support aquaculture health worldwide. In March 2024, Onda was first to market with their Tenacibaculosis Challenge Model, providing ground-breaking research models to impact real-world outcomes. Today, Onda, the largest aquatic containment facility in aquaculture research, announced the launch of two new disease study models to their extensive suite of models for Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi and Tenacibaculum finnmarkense. These additions compliment Onda’s challenge model offerings, providing reliable, science-driven tools to address Tenacibaculum, one of the most pressing bacterial challenges in global aquaculture.

Navigating fish heath challenges in aquaculture is complex, with pathogens like Tenacibaculum presenting some of the toughest hurdles. Unlike single-strain disease, Tenacibaculum encompasses

multiple species that impact different regions and host fish in unique ways, making prevention and treatment especially difficult. The bacteria’s ability to cause severe lesions, reduce welfare, and drive significant mortality underscores the need for reliable study models and innovative health solutions to protect both fish stocks and industry sustainability.

Onda was the first CRO to bring a robust and reliable Tenacibaculum maritimum model to market, understanding the gap for testing reliable solutions. With the expansion to include T. dicentrarchi and T. finnmarkense, Onda can now support producers and innovators in geographies where these strains pose major threats, including salmon farming regions across Chile, Norway, Canada and Northern Europe and help clients bring new products to market faster. “These new models light the path forward, turning complexity into clarity in the fight against tenacibaculosis, and mapping the battlefield so our clients can get ahead” said Dr. Fabio Zanuzzo, Director of Aquatic Animal Health at Onda.

Aquaculture producers face increasing pressure to manage complex fish health challenges, and diseases like Tenacibaculum are among the costliest. With multiple species causing problems across different regions, outbreaks can lead to rapid stock losses, increased treatment costs, and significant impacts on productivity. For salmon alone, Tenacibaculum infections are estimated to cost the industry tens of millions of dollars annually. These economic pressures highlight the urgent need for reliable study models and innovative health solutions that help producers safeguard fish welfare and maintain market supply.

The development of innovative vaccines, treatments, and management strategies requires access to controlled, reliable study models. Onda’s expanded Tenacibaculum platform provides aquaculture companies, biotech innovators, and feed manufacturers with the tools to evaluate candidate products under conditions that replicate real-world challenges.

“These new models underscore Onda’s commitment to addressing the aquaculture industry’s most urgent health challenges,” added Myrna Gillis, Onda’s CEO. “By equipping our clients with robust research platforms, we help them bring effective solutions to market faster, supporting healthier fish, stronger businesses, and a more sustainable food supply.”

About Onda

Onda Research is a contract research organisation specialising in Aquaculture research and trials. Onda offers bespoke bench top and in-tank trials and challenges for a variety of species at both our Souris & Victoria, PEI locations, presenting our clients with custom made solutions to the challenges they are facing with best-in-class industry expertise and experience. Onda holds a variety of certifications including, GLP, GMP, ACQ3 & ACQ2, integrating our customised service offering with the highest quality of work. Quality, consistency, and reliability are traits that we at Onda pride ourselves in each interaction with our clients. From idea to solution, Onda provides expertise, guidance, and navigation during the product licensing process.