Emerging technologies revolutionising disease diagnosis and monitoring in aquatic animal health

• Published in: Reviews in aquaculture 2024-03, Vol.16 (2), p.836-854
• Main Authors: Bohara, Kailash, Joshi, Pabitra, Acharya, Krishna Prasad, Ramena, Grace
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal diseases; Animal health; Aquaculture; Aquatic animals; aquatic disease; Artificial intelligence; Behaviour; Biosensors; Cell culture; CRISPR; Culture media; Cutting tools; Detection; Developed countries; Developing countries; Diagnosis; Diagnostic techniques; Disease detection; Disease recognition; early diagnosis; Farmers; Farms; Fungal diseases; Gene editing; Histopathology; internet of things (IoT); LDCs; Monitoring; Monitoring methods; New technology; Parasitic diseases; Polyculture (aquaculture); R&D; Research & development; Sensors; Serology; smart aquaculture; Technology adoption; Telemedicine; UAVs; Unmanned aerial vehicles; Water monitoring; Water quality
• ISSN: 1753-5123; 1753-5131
• DOI: 10.1111/raq.12870

In recent years, aquaculture has seen tremendous growth worldwide due to technological advancements, leading to research and development of various innovations. Aquaculture farmers prioritise early diagnosis for timely treatment to achieve better productive and economic performance. Aquatic animal health experts still employ traditional diagnostic methods using visual diagnosis, cell culture, media culture, histopathology and serology. However, the developments of technologies in aquamedicine, such as sequencing, biosensors and CRISPR, have enabled rapid disease detection within minutes. Furthermore, integrating sensors, drones, artificial intelligence and the internet in aquaculture farm monitoring has helped farmers take decisive actions to improve production. Advancements in diagnostic techniques have significantly enhanced the efficient detection of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases in aquatic animals. Moreover, monitoring water quality, aquatic animal health and animal behaviour on farms has become exceptionally streamlined with cutting‐edge tools like drones, sensors and artificial intelligence. Summarising research and development in aquatic animal health and monitoring aids efficient technology adoption in aquaculture. With these advanced technologies' continued development and adoption in developed countries, the aquaculture industry is experiencing growth and increased efficiency, benefiting farmers and consumers in these regions. However, farmers and educators in developing countries lack information about these technologies. Training of agricultural educators and efficient dissemination of knowledge and technologies through advertising and publication in collaboration with companies is essential. This review delves into emerging technologies capable of replacing the conventional diagnostic and monitoring methods utilised in aquaculture. We also explore their strengths, limitations and potential future applications within aquaculture settings. Innovations in technology for efficient diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and abnormality in aquaculture have significantly streamlined the process of identifying issues within the aquaculture industry, saving time and effort.