The next-gen Falcon has added near real-time insights into sea lice prevalence and wounds in fish populations to its predecessor's biomass monitoring capabilities.

Falcon spreads its wings at Aqua Nor

MSD introduces next-generation cage camera with added capabilities

Editorial team
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A new and enhanced generation of MSD Animal Health’s Falcon salmon pen camera system is today being launched at the Aqua Nor trade show in Trondheim, Norway.

MSD said the new G2 Falcon system integrates cutting-edge vision technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide near real-time insights into the prevalence of sea lice and wounds in fish populations, while at the same time monitoring biomass development.

The technology builds upon its predecessor, the Falcon Biomass system, which MSD said has previously transformed fish farming operations for sea and land-based facilities across Norway, Chile, Iceland, and Scotland.

Earlier detection

“The launch of the new generation Falcon marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable aquaculture practices,” said Dafydd Morris, general manager of MSD Animal Health Aqua EURAM (Europe, Russia, Africa and Middle East).

“Early detection of fish lice and the data produced by the system means it has the potential to identify lice sooner than traditional sampling methods, allowing for earlier intervention. This approach helps in selecting the most effective treatment products for each lice life stage and assessing treatment effectiveness for continuous improvement.

“Additionally, monitoring wound prevalence, size, severity, and healing status trends enables enhanced health and welfare management for fish populations.”

Dafydd Morris: "Falcon builds upon the breadth of biopharmaceutical and technology solutions within MSD Animal Health’s aqua health portfolio."

Lice research

During Aqua Nor, MSD Animal Health - which markets in the in-feed lice treatment Slice - will also be presenting research on a new sensitivity test of salmon lice larvae (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) which enables more sustainable use of sea lice medicines.

MSD Animal Health is the animal health division of United States medicines, vaccines and health solutions firm Merck & Co., and says its research demonstrates how it is one of the few companies combining deep pharmaceutical expertise with investment in technology, customer insights, and data.

“Falcon builds upon the breadth of biopharmaceutical and technology solutions within MSD Animal Health’s aqua health portfolio, which also includes Clynav, a DNA-based vaccine that protects Atlantic salmon against pancreas disease," said Morris. “The vaccine joined the MSD Animal Health portfolio last year as part of an acquisition highlighting MSD Animal Health’s commitment to delivering enhanced benefits to its aquaculture customers.

Pharma and tech

“Together, this biopharma and tech approach is helping our clients to create ecosystems that optimise fish health and welfare, which promotes the sustainable production of this high-quality food source. As a business, we will continue to invest in aqua health to enhance the sustainability of fish farming.”

For those attending Aqua Nor, the research will be presented at 2pm CET, along the launch of the next-gen Falcon system, which is available in Norway now and will be rolled out to other regions next year.

MSD will also be sharing its insights in two lunch-and-learn events at the trade show, at 1pm CET today and tomorrow.

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