KPU researchers develop new test to save B.C.’s salmon population

Researchers at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Applied Genomics Centre (AGC) have developed a new test to protect the salmon population in British Columbia from harmful bacteria. 

Paul Adams, a biology instructor at KPU, and his team of student research assistants at AGC created a test to help detect a harmful bacteria called Aeromonas salmonicida, which puts salmon at risk of disease and death. 

The team spent 18 months conducting extensive research and trials for the test, which is to detect the bacteria before an outbreak occurs in the province’s fisheries. 

Early detection of Aeromonas salmonicida is crucial for salmon populations. The bacteria can cause salmon to develop skin wounds or infection and creates a high potential for death if left untreated. The bacteria also spreads quickly to other salmon, putting fish farms at high risk of fish loss. 

The research project is in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food. After receiving several types of bacteria, Adams and his team identified and isolated the lone Aeromonas salmonicida out of all the bacteria using their newly developed test, which is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the same technology used to test for COVID-19.

He says the test can identify this specific bacteria from a group with only a swab. 

“Without this test, it was very difficult, if not impossible, to identify this pathogen compared to other ones that are not of concern,” Adams says. “This is step one — being able to identify it allows you to track it, understand it better, and manage this disease, both in wild and farm populations of salmon.”

For each project completed, students get the opportunity to develop their lab and research skills, allowing them to apply those skills to their future endeavours, Adams says. 

He adds that students expand their networks and connections while using some of the most advanced genomics technology in the world. 

Erick Samera, a recent KPU graduate, was a lead on the salmon test project. With a background in health sciences and biology, Samera was in charge of setting up and designing the PCR test, which required extensive computer work, he says. 

“You want your COVID test to capture all the variants of COVID. In the same way for this disease, we wanted to capture all the variants,” Samera says. “So you have to cast a wide enough net that it captures all the stuff you want, but then also not anything else, so [it] was a really big challenge.”

Samera also had to do extensive research for this test in his role as the lead, including analyzing the salmon’s DNA to rule out other diseases besides Aeromonas salmonicida.

“The sooner we know the salmon are sick, the sooner we can deal with it,” he says.

Adams says the test has finished its trial stages and has been handed over to the province’s Animal Health Centre for routine tests.

“This is going to give the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture the ability to detect and monitor this particular bacteria, which will then allow them to improve management strategies. That’s the ultimate short-term goal.”