La gill health in fish It has become a priority on the international scientific agenda, as its impact goes far beyond the well-being of aquatic species: it affects both production efficiency and the sustainability of the aquaculture sector. In recent years, various research projects, technical meetings, and technological advances have contributed to improving the understanding and management of gill problems, especially in key industries such as salmon farming.
In order to address the challenges posed by this issue, specialized entities and reference laboratories such as ADL Diagnostic Chile have opted for a comprehensive vision which includes the development of highly sensitive diagnostic methods, microbiome studies, molecular and metagenomic tools, and the application of Artificial Intelligence to analyze patterns and anticipate outbreaks of gill diseases.
International Meetings: Joining Forces for Prevention and Control
During 2025, the global agenda has been marked by specialized conferences and symposia in gill health, where representatives from producing countries such as Norway, Chile, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand have shared recent experiences and results. In the Gill Health Initiative (GHI) Held in Galway, Ireland, issues such as Proliferative Gill Disease (PGD), one of the main causes of gill pathology in Atlantic salmon, were addressed, and knowledge was exchanged to improve prevention and diagnosis.
These international forums have favored the scientific collaboration and the development of new strategies, based on both molecular surveillance and the identification of biomarkers that allow for early and more accurate diagnosis of branchial diseases. Furthermore, the transfer of knowledge between regions has been crucial to understanding how environmental conditions, pathogen variants, and health management influence the onset and progression of these pathologies.
Scientific and technological innovation: New approaches to branchial care
In the field of innovation, recent research has used gene expression analysis and tools for transcriptomics in farmed fish to detect risks associated with cell proliferation and structural damage to the gill epithelium earlier. These studies have ruled out the presence of certain pathogens and parasites, suggesting that many gill conditions have a multifactorial origin related to environmental and management factors.
The use of specific biomarkers and models of Artificial Intelligence facilitates the distinction between different branchial diseases, such as PGD and branchial amebiasis (AGD), which contributes to a faster and more efficient health response. The perception that the chronic stress can cause immunosuppression, making this condition a gateway for more serious conditions such as SRS, reinforcing the need for a global approach to aquaculture health.
Current challenges and future prospects
Despite progress, aquaculture faces persistent challenges These challenges require continued progress in research and training. The main obstacles include the emergence of pathogens that are increasingly resistant to conventional treatments, the influence of climate change on fish health, and the need for highly trained personnel in preventive methods and new technologies.
The future of gill health involves the integration of real time monitoring systems, the development of sustainable methodologies (such as the use of natural alternatives compared to chemical treatments), and the continuous improvement of the nutrition and well-being of fish. All of this seeks to reduce mortality, minimize the use of antibiotics and provide the sector with greater transparency, in line with the growing demand for healthy and sustainable aquaculture products.
International cooperation and the exchange of experiences between research centers, companies and regulatory authorities are already bearing visible fruit in the fight against branchial diseases and in the construction of more resilient aquacultureThe key will be to maintain this momentum, invest in new technologies, and continue to learn continuously to anticipate and control the health risks of a constantly evolving sector.