Bacterial kidney disease suspected at SalMar site

An outbreak of bacterial kidney disease (BKD) is suspected at a SalMar site in Norway, it has emerged.

According to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, it may have occurred at a company location in Vestnes municipality where SalMar produces broodstock salmon.

The authority said the suspicion was due to samples taken during a routine check at the end of October. The results indicated possible BKD on a breeding fish.

It now planned to take further samples to send them to the Veterinary Institute for verification and confirmation of the diagnosis.

In order to limit the spread of infection, restrictions have been imposed on the site, including a ban on moving fish, eggs and milt without special permission. The suspected fish have also been moved to another location to limit the spread of any infection.

The Authority has also said that the facilities in the area must now pay particular attention to the risk of BKD during all health checks.

“It is important to prevent further spread between facilities or to wild fish through fish, equipment and boats,” it adds.

BKD is a chronic bacterial disease which was first reported in wild Atlantic salmon in the rivers Dee and Spey in Scotland in the early 1930s.

Subsequently BKD has been reported in both wild and farmed salmonid populations in North and South America, continental Europe and Japan. In Scotland the prevalence of BKD in trout and salmon farms is low.

Outbreaks can occur throughout the year, but generally accompany rising water temperatures in the spring. Infection can also result in significant mortalities in both wild and farmed salmonids.