Last November 4, during the workshop technical “European experience in the relevant health challenges in Chile”, carried out at the Radisson Hotel in Puerto Varas, ADL Diagnostic Chile announced the start of a strategic consulting agreement with the leading international expert, Dr. Hamish Rodger.
Graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Glasgow, Scotland (1984), the specialist holds a master's degree (MSc) in aquatic veterinary studies and a doctorate (PhD) focusing on viral and bacterial diseases of salmonids, adding more than 40 years of history in aquaculture health.
Hamish Rodger has worked both in the field of clinical veterinary medicine, as well as in disease diagnosis, research, academia and international consultancy, participating in multiple funded projects in the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom, and publishing more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is a member of the European Aquatic Animal Health College and is currently a member of the ad hoc the World Organisation for Animal Health (WHOA) aimed at the use of vaccines to reduce overall antimicrobial consumption.
With regard to salmon farming, its work has focused on the priority needs of the producing industries in the United Kingdom, Norway and Ireland, as a specialist in the mitigation, research and treatment of sea lice (be lice), as well as viral and branch diseases, paying much attention, in the same way, to Piscirickettsiosis, which today generates high concern also in other salmon farmers countries. In fact, he leads the SRS Initiative in Europe (involving Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Chile, Australia and New Zealand). For several years, she also headed the Gill Health Initiative, dedicated to gill disease. ADL participates in both initiatives, being part of their respective Steering Committee, representing the Chilean side.
Hamish Rodger's specialist consultancy will have several objectives, including work on complex clinical cases and advice on specific topics demanded by clients. This considers analysis of possible causal, predisposing and aggravating factors of diseases; recommendations for the control, follow-up and prevention of recurrences; and support in emerging, atypical or multifactorial cases, as well as in those without a clear diagnostic resolution.
The consultancy service also includes technical advice on research projects, and support in the generation of innovation and training proposals for European funding calls. It is also expected to increase ADL’s participation in international initiatives, as has been the case with the “PisciNor” project (on Piscirickettsiosis), involving Norway, Ireland, Scotland and Chile.
A virtuous alliance
“We are delighted to begin this joint work with a renowned fish health expert such as Dr. Hamish Rodger. Its experience, knowledge, joviality, multiple contacts in Europe and its characteristic of being an ‘open book’, together with the solid work ADL has done for more than 26 years together with Chilean salmon farming, will allow us to add even more value to our services, pointing to concrete solutions and contributing to the solidity of the industry,” said General Manager of ADL Diagnostic Chile, Patricio Bustos.
He added that "smonculture faces and will continue to face – especially considering the effects of climate change – relevant fish health challenges. Under this scenario, international collaboration is fundamental to learning and sharing experiences among different countries, industries, regions and people, in order to advance efficiently and providing certainty to producers.”
Hamish Rodger, meanwhile, said that “I am greatly grateful that you have considered me for this consultancy. I think we can, together with ADL, do an excellent job. The salmon industry has many challenges ahead, but I am sure we will face them with great dedication and enthusiasm.”
He said that “we hope that this service will help improve the health and well-being of fish and contribute to the sustainability of Chilean salmon farming, for example, helping to reduce the use of antibiotics. On the other hand, Chile’s experience will be very useful for other producing countries, as here there is enormous knowledge around Piscirickettsiosis, which is beginning to become a problem in northern Europe.”
Deepening the European experience
During the workshop –which was attended by professionals from the salmoniccultor fish health areas who are ADL customers and who operate in Chile – not only was this consulting agreement announced, but also interesting exhibitions were also available in which Dr. Hamish Rodger addressed various topics. These include epidemiology, economic impact and current strategies for the control of Tenacibaculosis in Atlantic salmon; the dynamics of infection, co-infections, pathogenesis and control of PRV-1 and HSMI; and an integrated approach to the prevention and control of the Branchial Complex; all based on European experience, especially Scottish, Irish and Norwegian.
All the topics were highly interacted by the guests, who were able to carry out consultations, update and deepen their knowledge on these pathologies.
Attendees also received, from the commercial manager of ADL, Gustavo Leiva, a compendium of technical notes issued periodically by the company in order to contribute to the diagnosis and knowledge of diseases affecting farmed salmon. This first volume – printed – addresses infectious pathologies. Next, a second compilation will be issued – whose development is in progress – considering other important challenges toilets.
