Salmon: Piscirickettsia salmonis / SRS (Salmon Rickettsial Syndrome)
Piscirickettsia salmonis invades host cells, weakening the liver, kidney and spleen. Mortality reaches up to 90%, driving US$500–700 million in annual losses in Chile alone.
▸ Flagship Product · Feed Additive
Fewer infectious outbreaks and lower mortality in fish and shrimp
NatControl® is a phytogenic additive that boosts the natural immune response.
25+
Years developing phytogenic solutions
48.1%
Relative reduction in Piscirickettsia salmonis mortality (RPS)
100%
Biodegradable, natural-origin & antibiotic-free
Backed by independent research & industry partners
01 / Scientific Evidence
Validated by independent research
From molecular immunology to commercial marine trials: a growing body of peer-reviewed and institutional evidence.
Peer-reviewed · Aquaculture, 2021
Protection against Piscirickettsia salmonis
Juvenile Salmo salar fed NatControl® (0.5 kg/ton) for 14 days and then challenged by cohabitation with Piscirickettsia salmonis: 79.1% survival versus 52.7% in controls (RPS 48.1%), with higher expression of key immune-response genes (IL-12, CD8, MHC-I).
Peer-reviewed · Journal of Fish Biology, 2026
Immunostimulant in Chinook salmon
Six-month commercial trial in Oncorhynchus tshawytscha: first full characterization of the antimicrobial peptides HAMP and LEAP-2. NatControl® increases HAMP and LEAP-2 expression in kidney, spleen, liver, gills and skin.
Commercial marine trial · 60 days · UACh & Multi X
Metabolic reprogramming & skin resilience in Atlantic salmon
Metabolomics (GC-MS) and RT-qPCR at 1 g/kg show accelerated tissue reconstruction, a systemic antioxidant shield and sustained IL-22 induction in skin.
Independent institutional challenge · CIAD Mazatlán, Mexico, 2026
Survival under AHPND challenge in juvenile white shrimp
In an independent experimental AHPND challenge run at CIAD-Mazatlán, NatControl® at an inclusion dose of 0.1 g/kg increased shrimp survival by 54% (from 48% to 74%) versus the infected control, a statistically significant difference. Full technical report available on request.
Institutional trial · CIAD Mazatlán, Mexico
Growth & feed conversion in juvenile white shrimp
21-day trial in Litopenaeus vannamei: significantly higher final weight and a favorable trend in growth and feed conversion at 500 mg/kg, with immediate feed acceptance.
In vitro study · RTgill-W1 fish epithelial cells · ongoing
Epithelial migration and wound closure: effect on salmon skin
Andrographolide, a bioactive component of NatControl®, significantly promotes cell migration and wound closure in fish epithelial cells (RTgill-W1), key processes in epithelial repair. In epithelial models it is associated with less excessive inflammation and oxidative stress (lower IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2; inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK) and with the recovery of metabolic regulators such as HIF-1α and PPARγ, linked to tissue regeneration. In applied terms, this could translate into faster re-epithelialization of skin micro-lesions, better recovery of the skin barrier and better skin integrity and appearance at harvest; the link to a higher share of premium-grade fish is a mechanistic inference currently under study.
Survival 70 days after cohabitation challenge · Romero et al., Aquaculture 2021
Fold-change vs. control · salmon SHK-1 cells, in vitro · Romero et al., Aquaculture 2021
L. vannamei · 21-day trial (CIAD, Mexico)
| Treatment | Final weight (g) | Feed conversion | Survival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 3.12 | 2.05 | 96% |
| NatControl® 500 mg/kg | 3.27 | 1.92 | 93% |
| NatControl® 1000 mg/kg | 3.12 | 1.97 | 95% |
| Commercial immunostim. | 2.95 | 2.22 | 95% |
Source: CIAD Mazatlán, Mexico. The trial concluded that 500 mg/kg is the sufficient dose; 1,000 mg/kg showed no additional gain.
“Independent research shows that NatControl can improve the fish's natural immune preparedness at the molecular level.”
02 / What is NatControl®
Nature's answer to intracellular pathogens
NatControl® is a scientifically formulated additive based on a micro-pulverized blend of brown, red and green seaweed meal, with labdane-type diterpenoids, mainly andrographolides, standardized from Andrographis paniculata (ParActin®).
It naturally stimulates the local and systemic immune response (Patent WO2006008115 A1), promoting the elimination of intracellular pathogens such as Piscirickettsia salmonis and viral agents. Its administration is especially useful during periods of higher health pressure from bacterial and viral challenges.
F1 Micro-pulverized brown, red & green seaweed meal
F2 Standardized Andrographis paniculata (ParActin®) diterpenoids
F3 100% natural & biodegradable · non-toxic · antibiotic-free
F4 For all productive cycles · 0.5–2.0 kg per ton of feed
03 / The Challenge
Intracellular pathogens are the industry's costliest threat
Shrimp: WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus)
White Spot Syndrome can reach up to 100% mortality within days. No effective conventional control tool exists.
04 / Benefits
What NatControl® delivers
B·01
Naturally stimulates immunity against bacterial and viral intracellular pathogens
B·02
Potential modulation of the cell-mediated immune response, including mechanisms mediated by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes
B·03
Fewer infectious outbreaks and lower mortality
B·04
Increases the number of hemocytes (immune cells) and their phagocytic capacity in shrimp (evidence with its active compounds)
B·05
Supports immune mechanisms associated with greater resistance to WSSV
B·06
Boosts innate immune mechanisms at the local and systemic level
Supporting health-management strategies designed to improve resilience and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
05 / Mode of Action
How it works: from feed to the immune system
S1 →
Regulates macrophage activation
Modulates macrophage activity, improving phagocytosis without inducing inflammation.
S2 →
Higher IFN-γ & IL-2 production
Favors the production of cytokines that increase the detection and destruction of intracellular pathogens.
S3 →
Modulation of the cell-mediated immune response
Potential modulation of the cell-mediated immune response, including mechanisms mediated by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
S4
Antimicrobial peptide synthesis
Induces the expression of HAMP and LEAP2, key antimicrobial peptides of fish innate immunity, in gills, skin, liver, spleen and head kidney.
06 / Target Species
Tailored benefits by species
01
Salmon
Salmo salar
Dose: 0.5–1.0 kg per ton of feed for 15–45 days
Increases IFN-γ and IL-2 production, promoting the elimination of Piscirickettsia salmonis and viral agents; potential modulation of the cell-mediated immune response involving cytotoxic T-lymphocytes; induces HAMP and LEAP2 expression in skin, gills, liver, kidney and spleen; in vitro evidence indicates a protective effect on salmon SHK-1 cells against P. salmonis infection (Aquaculture, 2021). In addition, in vitro studies with andrographolide, one of NatControl®'s active compounds, show that it significantly promotes epithelial migration and wound closure in fish epithelial cells (RTgill-W1), a key effect in epithelial repair that could translate into better skin quality and integrity in salmon.
＋ 79% survival versus 53% in controls under Piscirickettsia salmonis challenge (RPS 48.1%)
＋ Triggers antimicrobial peptide production in gills, skin and internal organs
＋ Potential modulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte mediated mechanisms
＋ Strengthens the skin barrier and antioxidant defenses
＋ Active compounds with in vitro evidence of faster epithelial migration and wound closure, supporting recovery of the skin barrier
02
Shrimp
Litopenaeus vannamei
Dose: 0.1–0.5 kg per ton of feed for 21 days
Scientific studies with andrographolide, one of NatControl®'s active compounds, support higher growth and stronger innate immunity in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), with more hemocytes and greater phagocytic capacity, together with higher survival against Vibrio alginolyticus by regulating inflammation and oxidative damage in hemocytes and hepatopancreas through inhibition of the JNK pathway (Frontiers in Immunology, 2022). Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus affect several aquaculture species and are zoonotic. These immune mechanisms are also associated with greater resistance to WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus). In an independent experimental AHPND challenge (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease) run at CIAD-Mazatlán, NatControl® at an inclusion dose of 0.1 g/kg increased shrimp survival by 54% (from 48% to 74%) versus the infected control, a statistically significant difference.
＋ Supports immune mechanisms associated with greater resistance to WSSV
＋ Active compounds with evidence of more hemocytes and protection against Vibrio alginolyticus, regulating inflammation and oxidative damage (JNK pathway)
＋ 74% survival versus 48% in infected controls under AHPND challenge (CIAD-Mazatlán)
＋ Higher final weight and a favorable feed-conversion trend at 500 mg/kg
＋ Easy inclusion and immediate feed acceptance
03
Tilapia
Oreochromis niloticus
Dose: 0.5–2.0 kg per ton of feed
NatControl® contains bioactive components from Andrographis paniculata, whose scientific studies in tilapia support favorable effects on growth and feed efficiency, along with antibacterial activity and greater resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae. Studies with andrographolide, one of NatControl®'s active compounds, provide additional evidence of improved productive performance and resistance to bacterial challenges.
＋ Increases innate immune mechanisms
＋ Favorable effects on growth and feed efficiency
＋ Antibacterial activity and greater resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae
Ready to strengthen your stock, naturally?
Talk with our technical team about integrating NatControl into your feed program.
07 / FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is NatControl®?
NatControl® is a feed additive (not a complete feed) based on a micro-pulverized blend of brown, red and green seaweed meal with labdane-type diterpenoids, mainly andrographolides, standardized from Andrographis paniculata (ParActin®) that naturally stimulates the cellular immune response.
Which species can NatControl be used in?
NatControl can be used in different fish species, including salmonids, tilapia, native species and carp, as well as in shrimp. By strengthening the natural immune response, its use is especially relevant during periods of higher health pressure from bacterial and viral challenges.
How is it dosed?
Recommended use: in shrimp, include 0.1 to 0.5 kg per ton of feed for 21 days. In fish, 0.5 to 1 kg per ton for periods of 15 to 45 days, as indicated by our technical department. NatControl can also be included continuously throughout the whole production cycle.
Can NatControl help reduce antibiotic use?
By strengthening the natural immune response, NatControl can be part of health management strategies aimed at reducing dependence on antibiotics and contributing to the industry's sustainability goals.
Is NatControl safe and sustainable?
Yes. NatControl is a natural, biodegradable product, safe for use in aquaculture. It is also easy to incorporate into feed, which makes it simple to use in standard manufacturing processes.
Is there independent scientific evidence on NatControl?
Yes. NatControl is backed by studies carried out by independent universities and research centers, trials under commercial conditions and peer-reviewed scientific publications.
08 / Contact
Talk to a specialist
Tell us about your operation and we'll get back to you with tailored technical support and authorized documentation.
HP Ingredients · 707 24th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205, USA
HPI Animal Health SpA · Lautaro 172, of. 501, Valdivia, Chile
HPI Animal Health SpA · Lautaro 172, of. 501, Valdivia, Chile
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