Source: ABC News
The southern bluefin tuna industry says new disease prevention methods are saving it AUS$ 20 million (USD 20.8 million) annually.
Tuna ranches off Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are injecting feed with a medicine commonly used to treat stomach parasites in humans.
The veterinary-approved technology was developed after tuna mortality rates rose by 10 percent over six years.
Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association CEO Brian Jeffriess said the mortality rate had decreased to 2 percent and the health of the fish had improved.
He said there was a renewed confidence in the industry.
“Fish health is the main problem with aquaculture right throughout the world,†he said.
“We’ve had very minor problems but for such a high-quality and high-priced fish you really need to make sure every fish survives that you can and this has been a huge improvement in the industry.â€