Context
Pathogens represent a major challenge for aquaculture, particularly in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which are increasingly used in intensive farming. High water retention in these systems promotes the accumulation of pathogens, especially within biofilms, and outbreaks are often triggered by environmental fluctuations. Atlantic salmon, a key species in global aquaculture, is particularly affected, especially during the freshwater smolt production stage in RAS. In regions such as the Faroe Islands, viruses like ISAV-HPR0 and SGPV pose significant health risks.
Pathogen transmission in aquaculture can be horizontal (via water, equipment, or feed) or vertical, the latter most often resulting from contamination of egg surfaces. Although aerosol transmission is well documented in terrestrial animals, its role in fish, particularly for viral pathogens, remains poorly understood. However, some RAS components (e.g., degassers and drum filters) generate aerosols similar to sea spray, which is known to transport microorganisms over long distances.
In this context, Krishna et al. used both Coriolis+ and Coriolis Compact to quantify airborne viral loads and compared the results with traditional sampling methods such as gill swabs and tank water analysis in an Atlantic salmon RAS facility.
