October 6, 2023

Disease outbreaks reported in Norwegian aquaculture industry

Norwegian aquaculture is facing a growing crisis as infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) and pancreatic disease (PD) continue to afflict the salmon population, SeafoodSource reported.

ISA, although harmless to humans, poses a significant threat to the aquaculture industry due to its potential for mass salmon mortality. PD, on the other hand, disrupts salmon feeding and growth, leading to high mortality rates.

In Flatanger Municipality, Trondelag County, a suspected case of ISA was reported at a farm operated by Salmar in partnership with Veterinærmedisinsk Oppadragssenter on September 26. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is conducting an inspection to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, a restriction zone will be established, limiting marine traffic within a 10 to 20km radius around the farm. This area was already within an ISA monitoring zone.

ISA was previously confirmed in a farm operated by Refsnes Laks, resulting in the creation of an ISA restriction zone covering Afjord and Orland municipalities in Trondelag County. These zones aim to prevent, limit, and combat infectious salmon anaemia, safeguarding the aquaculture industry.

In Alver Municipality, Vestland County, a suspected ISA case was reported, affecting farms managed by Lingalaks, Landøy Fiskeopdrett, Blom Fiskeopdrett, and Tombre Fiskeanlegg. As all fish had been removed from the sites by September 15, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority decided to maintain a monitoring zone, rather than imposing further restrictions.

Alongside the ISA challenge, the Norwegian aquaculture industry is also grappling with the emergence of pancreatic disease (PD).

In Alstahaug Municipality, Nordland County, a breeding facility operated by LetSea reported the presence of pancreatic disease. PD disrupts salmon feeding and growth, often resulting in high mortality rates. To prevent further contamination, a restricted zone with a 30km radius has been established around the affected area, which also includes operations by Biomar.

The Norwegian government has instructed LetSea to completely empty its facility to mitigate the spread of infection.

-      SeafoodSource