Areas of work
Promoting comprehensive solutions to prevent SRS
Scouting
The active search for and selection of technology providers with whom we can evaluate or develop individual or comprehensive solutions that allow us to prevent and control SRS in the Chilean salmon industry in order to reduce the use of antibiotics.
See more
The main objective of scouting is to identify and evaluate alternatives – both individual and comprehensive – that would allow for a progressive reduction in the use of antibiotics in salmon farming centers.
This search is primarily aimed at pharmaceutical companies and/or biotechnology institutions – both Chilean and international – capable of providing vaccines, immunological products or any other type of innovative solution that can replace the use of antibiotics.
During the initial scouting process carried out during 2023, the Yelcho Alliance established contact with 20 pharmaceutical companies, several of which are participating in the first experimental trial of SRS vaccines made possible by the initiative.
During 2025, a second stage of the scouting process was initiated – this time with the support of SAG and SERNAPESCA – in order to incorporate other pharmaceutical companies with products to prevent SRS, as well as to explore boosters and technological alternatives to be applied in fish.
Product and/or Solution Evaluation
To evaluate solutions aimed at preventing diseases in salmon farming, with special emphasis on Piscirickettsiosis (SRS).
See more
The Yelcho Alliance has implemented a permanent program for evaluating products and preventive solutions against relevant diseases in salmon farming, such as SRS. This area of work combines controlled experimental trials and field tests in productive environments to validate the effectiveness of vaccines, prototypes and integrated strategies.
In 2025, the alliance began its first experimental trial to evaluate seven vaccines against the EM-90 and LF-89 strains – using a methodology validated by the Technical-Scientific Committee – with the participation of SAG and SERNAPESCA. The results, which aim to strengthen transparency and generate performance benchmarking, will be presented in the first half of 2026, alongside the planning of a second trial focused on booster strategies.
Simultaneously, commercial-scale field tests are being developed under a standardized protocol, the first of which will conclude in 2026 and whose results will be shared internally among the participating companies.
Ensayo Experimental
Enfocado en probar y evaluar prototipos de vacunas y productos comerciales disponibles actualmente en el mercado contra SRS.
See more
En agosto de 2025, Alianza Yelcho inició su primer ensayo experimental para evaluar siete vacunas o estrategias de vacunas contra SRS. El objetivo es desafiar las vacunas frente a las cepas EM-90 y LF-89 de SRS.
A través de este ensayo se medirá la eficacia de las vacunas en desafíos a 650 UTAS y también a 1.800 UTAS, en este último caso, simulando un escenario similar al ambiente marino en sus primeros meses.
Un hito relevante es que, en esta oportunidad, las empresas productoras están generando sus propios datos, con una metodología robusta y validada por el Comité Técnico-Científico de Yelcho, en el cual también participan SAG y Sernapesca. Cabe destacar que, para el caso de prototipos, esta información puede ser utilizada en el proceso de registro del eventual producto. Con ello, se espera optimizar las estrategias de prevención de SRS a partir de un benchmarking de eficacia en condiciones representativas de la industria.
Los resultados de este primer ensayo se expondrán a los miembros de la alianza en una jornada que se realizará durante el primer semestre de 2026, lo que aumenta la transparencia y confiabilidad del estudio.
Actualmente, la Alianza Yelcho está planificando la realización de un segundo ensayo experimental enfocado en ampliar la inmunidad de los peces aplicando estrategias integradas y booster.
Prueba de Campo
Prueba en condiciones productivas que se realiza en la etapa de engorda de los salmones en agua de mar, donde se testea un producto a escala comercial contra un control.
See more
Para esta fase, Alianza Yelcho generó, en conjunto con el Comité Técnico-Científico, un protocolo estandarizado para desarrollar las pruebas de campo de las nuevas vacunas. La primera prueba de campo finalizará a mediados del año 2026 y los resultados serán compartidos entre las empresas participantes de la Alianza en una jornada de difusión interna.
Communications
The Yelcho Alliance maintains active communication in order to publicize its work – both in Chile and abroad – and thus spark interest in the project from pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology institutions and startups, among others. This is to motivate them to present solutions with the potential for success and help accelerate their development.
See more
The Yelcho Alliance has positioned itself as an innovative model of public-private collaboration to address health challenges in Chilean salmon farming. As part of its dissemination strategy, the alliance has defined a series of communication tools to publicize its actions to associates and the public.
These include:
- Press releases.
- Exclusive interviews in Chilean and international media specializing in aquaculture, science and innovation.
- Opinion pieces.
- Semi-annual newsletter summarizing the period’s main activities.
- Participation in congresses and conferences in Chile and abroad.
- Scientific conferences to present the progress of the alliance and strengthen knowledge about the control and prevention of SRS and potential solutions.