A training-cum-awareness programme on the application of vaccines versus antibiotics in aquaculture in rainbow trout was held in Shergaon, West Kameng district, on Saturday. The programme was organised by the Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (CICFR) in collaboration with the district fisheries development office.
The programme marked a significant milestone as the first-ever dedicated awareness and training programme on rainbow trout vaccination conducted for trout farmers in the state. It aimed to educate rainbow trout farmers about modern disease prevention strategies, emphasizing vaccination as a sustainable alternative to indiscriminate antibiotic use.
Around 25 rainbow trout farmers from West Kameng and Bichom districts actively participated in the programme and interacted with experts on various aspects of fish health management, disease prevention, and sustainable trout farming practices. Notable attendees included DFDO Pema Khandu Thungon, Shergaon ZPM Chong Khandu Lama, and Dr Neetu Shahi, national fellow from CICFR, Bhimtal.
Dr Shahi delivered a lecture on the application of vaccines in rainbow trout farming, highlighting the scientific advantages of vaccination over the routine use of antibiotics for disease control. She explained that vaccination offers long-term protection against bacterial diseases, reduces disease outbreaks, improves fish survival and productivity, and significantly minimises dependence on antibiotics.
The CICFR also organised an input distribution programme under the NER Activity 2026-27, during which five deep freezers were distributed to selected rainbow trout farmers. These deep freezers will support farmers in maintaining the cold chain for harvested fish, improving storage, preserving product quality, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting value addition and marketing of rainbow trout and its processed products.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, on-field trial of the vaccine, and clinical sample collection from rainbow trout of selected fish farmers’ farms, during which the farmers expressed keen interest in adopting scientific health management practices and appreciated the efforts of CICFR in bringing advanced technologies directly to the farming community.
