Onda has expanded its Tenacibaculum platform with new study models for T. dicentrarchi and T. finnmarkense, providing the aquaculture industry with reliable tools to address complex fish health challenges.
In March 2024, Onda was first to market with their Tenacibaculosis Challenge Model, providing groundbreaking research models to impact real-world outcomes. In late 2025, Onda, one of the largest aquatic containment facilities in aquaculture research, has announced the launch of two new disease study models to their extensive suite of models for Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi and Tenacibaculum finnmarkense. These additions reportedly compliment Onda’s challenge model offerings, providing reliable, science-driven tools to address Tenacibaculum, one of the most pressing bacterial challenges in global aquaculture.
Navigating fish health challenges in aquaculture is complex, with pathogens like Tenacibaculum presenting some of the toughest hurdles. Unlike single-strain disease, Tenacibaculum encompasses multiple species that impact different regions and host fish in unique ways, making prevention and treatment especially difficult. The bacteria’s ability to cause severe lesions, reduce welfare, and drive significant mortality underscores the need for reliable study models and innovative health solutions to protect both fish stocks and industry sustainability.
Onda points out that it was the first Contract Research Organization to bring a robust and reliable Tenacibaculum maritimum model to market, understanding the gap for testing reliable solutions. With the expansion to include T. dicentrarchi and T. finnmarkense, Onda can now support producers and innovators in geographies where these strains pose major threats, including salmon farming regions across Chile, Norway, Canada and Northern Europe and help clients bring new products to market faster. “These new models light the path forward, turning complexity into clarity in the fight against tenacibaculosis, and mapping the battlefield so our clients can get ahead” said Dr. Fabio Zanuzzo, Director of Aquatic Animal Health at Onda.
Aquaculture producers face increasing pressure to manage complex fish health challenges, and diseases like Tenacibaculum are among the costliest. With multiple species causing problems across different regions, outbreaks can lead to rapid stock losses, increased treatment costs, and significant impacts on productivity. For salmon alone, Tenacibaculum infections are estimated to cost the industry tens of millions of dollars annually. These economic pressures highlight the urgent need for reliable study models and innovative health solutions that help producers safeguard fish welfare and maintain market supply.
The development of innovative vaccines, treatments, and management strategies requires access to controlled, reliable study models. Onda states that its expanded Tenacibaculum platform provides aquaculture companies, biotech innovators, and feed manufacturers with the tools to evaluate candidate products under conditions that replicate real-world challenges.
“These new models underscore Onda’s commitment to addressing the aquaculture industry’s most urgent health challenges,” added Myrna Gillis, Onda’s CEO. “By equipping our clients with robust research platforms, we help them bring effective solutions to market faster, supporting healthier fish, stronger businesses, and a more sustainable food supply.”
