December 21, 2023

Pancreatic disease spreading in northern Norway fish farms

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has announced another case of pancreatic disease (PD) at a fish farm in the northern part of the country, Fish Farmer reported.

Operated by salmon farmer Nova Sea, the facility is under orders to swiftly empty in a bid to mitigate the risk of further infection.

Simultaneously, PD cases were reported at two Mowi farms in the same region, prompting intensified efforts by the authority to contain the virus. With approximately three million fish currently infected with PD across various locations in the north, preventive measures are being escalated.

Nova Sea brought the suspicion of PD to the attention of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on November 29, 2023, following positive results from its analysis. Subsequent confirmation of the disease led to immediate directives for the farm.

PD is a highly contagious salmon disease that severely impacts the health and welfare of the fish. Geir Arne Ystmark, the Food Safety Authority's regional northern director, called for the need for a disease-free area to minimise industry losses. Precautions are urged for those in the region or engaged in fish farming activities to reduce the risk of disease spread.

Regulations governing PD control mandate extended sampling within seven days for farm sites within a 30 km radius of confirmed PD locations. The viral disease hampers fish growth, leading to reduced appetite and increased susceptibility to other diseases, often resulting in high mortality.

-      Fish Farmer