The paper describes the first molecular assay to confirm and positively identify this highly virulent new strain of Streptococcus agalactiae, designated Ia-2021. The strain first surfaced in farmed tilapia in Mexico in 2021, then spread through Central America and into Colombia and later to Africa and Asia, causing massive losses across tilapia farming communities worldwide.
First to Market with Molecular Testing
Through close collaboration with Dr. Benjamin LaFrentz and colleagues at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), KRB was the first commercial lab in North America to offer molecular testing for Ia-2021 to tilapia farmers — and, to the best of our knowledge, one of only two labs worldwide to do so for at least two years. With this paper’s publication, accurate identification of the pathogen is now available to labs everywhere.
“This important paper reinforces what progressive aquaculture producers already know: customized autogenous vaccines are one of the most powerful tools available for controlling emerging diseases and protecting production. If Mexico had access toKRB’s autogenous vaccines when this pathogen hit us 2021, I am convinced the industry’s trajectory would have been dramatically different. When disease strikes, producers need immediate access to proven, science-based solutions, without delay.“
— Dra. Ana Gabriela Trasviña Moreno, Ph.D., Director of MAREL Servicio Integral de Salud Acuícola in La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
The First Autogenous Vaccine Against Ia-2021
KRB was also the first autogenous vaccine producer to offer a vaccine against Ia-2021. All KRB vaccines are customized, site-specific, and formulated using antigens isolated directly at each client’s facility. USDA-ARS licenses KRB’s autogenous vaccine technology and facility, reflecting the strength of KRB’s specialized aquatic animal health laboratory capabilities.
Why Regulatory Access Matters
Unfortunately, Mexico and most other Latin American countries had no regulatory pathway for KRB’s autogenous vaccines when the 2021 epidemic hit. Since then, countries from Mexico to Guatemala to Colombia have opened access, helping ensure faster response when the next highly virulent pathogen emerges. In other countries, regulatory obstacles keep autogenous vaccine products out of reach, leaving local farmers dependent on commercial vaccines that can take years to update for new strains. By comparison, KRB’s autogenous vaccines can typically be adapted to include a new pathogen strain within weeks.
About the Study
Dr. LaFrentz served as the study’s lead author and principal investigator. KRB President and CEO Bill Keleher contributed as a coauthor, providing strain isolates. Other coauthors included Paola Barato of CORPAVET (Colombia) and MolecularVet (U.S.), and Amber Johnston, Megan Raftery, and Jason Abernathy of USDA-ARS.
KRB Contributors
KRB is grateful to Dr. LaFrentz for his leadership of this project and to all the coauthors. We also thank the KRB staff who contributed to and enabled our participation: Amy Doiron, Molecular Scientist, and Anja Forche, Molecular Assay Development Scientist.
Learn More
For testing or vaccine inquiries related to Ia-2021, contact questions@kennebecbio.com.
