Preliminary studies conducted by the industry indicate that biofilm and protein foam can fuction as a passive carrier of disease in the fish farmin industry.

 

Biofilm is a layer of bacteria and algae that rapidly covers wet surfaces of structures, while the protein foam is formed when fish is handled or stressed in an enclosed environment.

 

The Project will have an applied and solution-based focus, and aim to investigate which patogens  are able to survive in biofilm and protein foam, and how long these can function as a reservoar.  Work will also be conducted to determine if current industrial practices are able to cope with these medias as a reservoar of patogens.