Veterinarians transform Chile salmon industry through prevention

Veterinary medicine in Chile’s salmon farming industry has shifted from basic on-site laboratory setups to a specialized discipline focused on prevention and predictive data, Salmonexpert reported. Professionals from across the sector discussed this transformation in observance of National Veterinarian Day, which was commemorated on October 7.

Veterinarians Once Installed Laboratories Inside Companies

When veterinarians first entered the salmon farming sector while it was building its initial sanitary infrastructure, daily operations looked vastly different. Independent veterinary consultant Joel Quidel recalled that professionals had to install laboratories inside companies, perform direct analyses, and conduct field checks until specialized diagnostic services eventually emerged.

cuando empezaron a incorporarse los veterinarios en el área, comenzó como una forma diferente de enfrentar el tema de la salud en los salmones

Joel Quidel

Quidel noted that all treatments, diagnostic methods, and sanitary tools had to be developed locally during that early phase. Jorge Mancilla, Fish Health and Nutrition Manager at Mowi Chile with over 30 years in the industry, experienced that same foundational era alongside industry pioneers who cleared the path for subsequent generations.

Scientific Training Reduces Operational Errors

Modern practitioners emphasize that expanding scientific training remains essential to reduce operational errors. Francisco Vallejos, Health Manager at Salmones Camanchaca, stated that veterinarians have helped establish an industry characterized by stronger sanitary knowledge, prevention capabilities, and responsibility regarding fish welfare.

Mientras más formación científica tengamos, más conocimiento vamos a tener y menos errores vamos a cometer

Francisco Vallejos

Alin Casado, BioFarm Health Manager at BioMar Chile and president of MEVEA, emphasized that the broad contributions of the profession have historically driven industry sustainability and the production of a nutrient-dense food source. Javiera Cornejo Kelly, executive director of the CASA center, explained that the primary current challenge involves transitioning from reactive medicine to a preventive, predictive, and evidence-based practice integrating health, genetic, environmental, nutritional, and production data.

Digital Tools Transform Veterinary Instinct into Knowledge

Contemporary practitioners utilize digital metrics that earlier generations did not possess. Agustín Piña, Country Lead for Manolin in Chile, noted that current data tools transform long-standing veterinary instinct into structured knowledge that anticipates biological risks.

Piña stated that they now have data and tools capable of transforming part of the veterinary instinct built over the years into knowledge that can be shared, analyzed, and used to anticipate risks.

Piña emphasized that while data access expands, distinguishing relevant problems and applying field solutions still depends on the foundational experience passed down by veteran practitioners. Vallejos added that the future role of these professionals must focus on expanded research, the responsible administration of medicines, and early risk detection across both health and environmental domains.