Fish Health Expert Hamish Rodger to Keynote SRS2026 in Chile

International fish health expert Dr. Hamish Rodger, founding partner of VET-Aqua International, will be a keynote speaker at the International Conference on Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome (SRS2026): Integrating Science, Industry and Policy for Sustainable Salmon Aquaculture, to be held November 9–11, 2026, in Puerto Varas, Chile.

With more than 35 years of international experience in fish health and disease, Rodger has worked across academia and the aquaculture industry in Scotland, the United States and Ireland. He currently leads VET-Aqua International, specializing in aquatic animal health research, consulting and training, and is a member of the European College of Aquatic Animal Health.

Global Lessons for Controlling Piscirickettsiosis

At SRS2026, Rodger will deliver the keynote “Global Lessons, Local Solutions: Piscirickettsiosis in Europe and its Main Challenges.” His presentation will explore international experience with piscirickettsiosis and how collaborative research can contribute to developing more effective strategies for controlling a disease that remains a major health challenge for Chilean salmon farming.

Rodger will also discuss the PisciNor® project, highlighting how international scientific collaboration can generate knowledge applicable to disease prevention and control in Chile and other salmon-producing regions.

Bringing together researchers, fish health specialists and industry representatives, SRS2026 aims to strengthen the exchange of scientific evidence and practical experience around Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome, while promoting closer collaboration between science, industry and policy.

Rodger’s participation will add a global perspective to the conference, connecting international experience in aquatic animal health with the search for locally adapted, science-based solutions to piscirickettsiosis.