ISA at SalMar site

Infectious Salmon Anaemia is suspected at a SalMar location in Norway in what appears to be a growing number of cases across the country this year.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said the location is in Trondelag County and is operated by Salmar Oppdrett AS and Salmar Farming AS.

The Authority said it was planning an immediate inspection of the plant to take follow-up samples so that the Veterinary Institute can possibly confirm the disease ILA.

This move will at least allow the continuation of a normal operation in parts of the facility while an investigation is carried out.

The Authority said that in order to limit the spread of infection, restrictions have been imposed on the site, including a ban on moving fish, roe and milk without special permission.

This means that almost normal operation in parts of the facility can continue to the extent that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority deems it safe in terms of contamination.

If the suspicion is confirmed, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority can order the emptying of the premises, possibly parts of the premises.

The ILA virus causes severe anaemia and attacks the blood vessels of the salmon. At autopsy, one usually finds signs of circulation problems, and more or less serious bleeding in the skin and on or in internal organs.

There are various manifestations of ILA. In some cases, you only see anaemia and general signs of circulation problems, such as edema and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, while at other times you find dark livers, swollen kidneys or spleen, or accumulation of blood in the intestine.