Application
Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector as a source of protein for feeding the expanding world population. Aquaculture also relieveAbstract
Genetically improved carp strains with over 80% survival rate against devastating KHV virus, enabling sustainable and profitable aquaculture production.
Background
The global aquaculture market reached $250 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at 4.3% CAGR through 2030¹. Common carp represents 4.3 million metric tons of production annually, valued at approximately $8.3 billion². However, Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) outbreaks cause up to 100% mortality in conventional carp stocks, resulting in annual losses exceeding $1 billion³.
Current solutions include:
- Vaccination available only in Israel and is expensive with varying effectiveness
- Biosecurity: low efficacy in outside ponds
- Traditional breeding: Time-consuming with inconsistent results
Our Innovation
Novel genetic breeding program producing carp strains with inherited resistance to KHV disease, while maintaining commercial growth characteristics.
Key advantages over existing solutions:
- Over 80% survival rate upon KHV exposure vs. 0-30% in conventional strains
- Low infectivity reducing disease spread
- Permanent genetic solution requiring no additional treatments
- Cost-effective: One-time breeding implementation versus recurring vaccination costs
- Maintains growth performance of commercial food strains
- Applicable to various geographical regions and farming conditions
Economic Impact:
- Reduction in mortality losses during outbreaks without compromising growth
- Potential to save in prevention costs
Technology
Proprietary breeding program utilizing:
- Advanced disease challenge models mimicking farm conditions
- Multi-generational selection process
- Over 100 families tested for resistance
- Preservation of desirable commercial traits
The resulting strains demonstrate:
- High survival rates (>80%) under controlled challenge tests
- Lower infectivity and disease spread
- Commercial-grade growth performance
- Stable inheritance of resistance traits
The current generation of fish look like the original susceptible food strains and have an improved resistance.
Opportunity
We seek industry partners to:
- Scale up breeding program
- Validate performance in different geographical regions
- Establish commercial distribution networks
- Co-develop region-specific resistant strains
The global carp seed market exceeds $500 million annually⁴, presenting significant commercialization potential for KHV-resistant strains.
Footnotes
Aquaculture Market Insights, Fish Farming International, 2023 (public report)
Allied Market Research, “Aquaculture Market Outlook 2021-2030” (publicly available summary)
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, 2023 (public database)
Global Aquaculture Alliance, “KHV Impact Report 2022” (public summary)
