International Research Team Launches GILLMED Project to Test Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Salmon Gill Disease

The GILLMED project is an international initiative testing common anti-inflammatory drugs to treat gill disease in farmed Atlantic salmon, a condition causing significant losses in the global aquaculture industry. Collaborating researchers include CSIRO, Patogen, Moredun Scientific, Nautilus Collaboration, and Mowi, with funding from the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund.

Complex gill disease is driven by various biological and environmental factors. Current treatments, such as hydrogen peroxide and freshwater baths, are often ineffective and invasive. The project will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of four NSAIDs, including meloxicam, ketoprofen, and carprofen, for oral administration.

These drugs are approved for food-producing animals in Norway and the UK but not yet for fish. Results will be presented at the Gill Health Initiative conference in 2027, aiming to provide new treatment options for veterinarians and salmon producers.