Using Agent-Based Modelling to Predict the Role of Wild Refugia in the Evolution of Resistance of Sea Lice to Chemotherapeutants

Overview
TitleUsing Agent-Based Modelling to Predict the Role of Wild Refugia in the Evolution of Resistance of Sea Lice to Chemotherapeutants
AuthorsMcEwan GF, Groner ML, Fast MD, Gettinby G, Revie CW
TypeJournal Article
Journal NamePloS one
Volume10
Issue10
Year2015
Page(s)e0139128
CitationMcEwan GF, Groner ML, Fast MD, Gettinby G, Revie CW. Using Agent-Based Modelling to Predict the Role of Wild Refugia in the Evolution of Resistance of Sea Lice to Chemotherapeutants. PloS one. 2015; 10(10):e0139128.

Abstract

A major challenge for Atlantic salmon farming in the northern hemisphere is infestation by the sea louse parasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis. The most frequent method of controlling these sea louse infestations is through the use of chemical treatments. However, most major salmon farming areas have observed resistance to common chemotherapeutants. In terrestrial environments, many strategies employed to manage the evolution of resistance involve the use of refugia, where a portion of the population is left untreated to maintain susceptibility. While refugia have not been deliberately used in Atlantic salmon farming, wild salmon populations that migrate close to salmon farms may act as natural refugia. In this paper we describe an agent-based model that explores the influence of different sizes of wild salmon populations on resistance evolution in sea lice on a salmon farm. Using the model, we demonstrate that wild salmon populations can act as refugia that limit the evolution of resistance in the sea louse populations. Additionally, we demonstrate that an increase in the size of the population of wild salmon results in an increased effect in slowing the evolution of resistance. We explore the effect of a population fitness cost associated with resistance, finding that in some cases it substantially reduces the speed of evolution to chemical treatments.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Gregor F McEwan
2Maya L Groner
3Mark D Fast
4George Gettinby
5Crawford W Revie
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Elocation10.1371/journal.pone.0139128
Publication ModelElectronic-eCollection
ISSN1932-6203
eISSN1932-6203
Publication Date2015
Journal AbbreviationPLoS ONE
DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0139128
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryUnited States
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PMID: PMID:26485023