ABSTRACT
The development of a vaccine for fish prophylaxis is the answer to a request coming directly from the field. Solid epidemiological studies, conducted by vast sampling of major farming areas, together with veterinarian assessment and clinical signs observation, are the first steps to identify the major pathological threats of farmed species. Laboratory analysis and field observations should match to create a diagnostic diagram that leads veterinarians to target the primary cause of mortality events. Outbreaks and mortalities are the undeniable consequences of a multiple infection pattern, and the purpose of an epidemiological assessment is to identify the primary etiological agents responsible for the problem. The sole pathogen/s’ identification is not sufficient for the pure vaccine eligibility because this would need to be challenged with geographical application scale, efficacy, local regulations, market value, and economical assay. This chapter details the different steps of a vaccine development strategy, taking into consideration the target species and the complex needs of tropical aquaculture.
