Table 3.
Comparison of delivery methods of fish vaccines.
| Infection | Immersion | Oral | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Systemic | Mucosal system | Digestive system |
| Administration ease | Laborious | Less convenient | Convenient |
| Stress | Severe (requires anaesthetization and handling); Moderate for automated vaccination |
Moderate for spraying; Severe for bath |
Negligible |
| Potency | Best with adjuvant | Less efficient | Lowest |
| Immunity duration | 6–12 months | Shorter | Shortest |
| Cost | Cost-effective for high value species | Cost-effective for fish < 10 g | Moderate |
| Merit | Best immune effect; High serum antibody titer; Low vaccine dosage |
Suitable for multiple times immunization; Not restricted by fish body size |
Suitable for small size fish species and large-scale immunization; Save time and effort |
| Defect | Large fish stress response; Suitable for large size fish body; Time-consuming and laborious |
Damage vaccine to a certain extent; Large dosage of vaccine; Short immune effect duration |
Synergistic measures are needed; Large dosage |