Group members

The Fish Health Research Group at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute comprises members with background in aquatic veterinary medicine, immunology, virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genetics, cell biology, physiology, marine- and freshwater biology, ecology and evolution.


Group picture Fish Health Research Group_web.jpg

Together, we hold strong interdisciplinary research expertise on topics related to fish health, with emphasis on infectious fish- and crustacean diseases in aquaculture and nature. We have access to unique collections of fish cell lines, antibodies, and culture collections of pathogenic microorganisms from fish and crayfish, as well as well-equipped laboratory facilities for wet lab experiments, advanced imaging techniques, cellular-, immunological- and molecular work. In our research, we emphasize the 3 Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), and develop non-lethal sampling methods and in-vitro tools and monitoring methods, that reduce or replace the use of live fish and crayfish in research and surveillance.

In addition to acquiring and conducting research projects and relevant research assignments, we also offer expertise to assist in emergency response, diagnostics and advisory support to the authorities and the aquaculture sector, in particular within the fields of fish bacteriology, fish virology, fish parasitology and crustacean diseases. We are also responsible for some aquatic disease surveillance programs

Head of Section

Trude Vrålstad