Characterization of Lepeophtheirus salmonis resistance to common therapeutants

The sea louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is the most economically important parasite that affects salmon farming and it is a cause for major environmental concern due to the risk of transmission to wild salmon population. The development of drug resistance in a number of L. salmonis populations to the most effective sea lice therapy – SLICETM diminishes the ability to control sea lice levels on farmed salmon. This project will characterize the genes and pathways associated with resistance to this drug and determine, whether other sea lice drugs affect similar/different genetic pathways in the parasite. This information will be extremely useful in the development of new drugs to target different pathways within the parasite.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Mark Fast

Student:

Jordan Poley

Partner:

Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

University of Prince Edward Island