ISA suspected at Norway Royal Salmon site
A suspected case of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) has been reported at a facility run by Norway Royal Salmon in the north of the country.
This is the first such incident since midsummer, when the Norwegian authorities were worried that the number of outbreaks was heading towards epidemic levels, particularly in the northern regions.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said a few weeks ago it found evidence that a harmless virus was mutating into a more serious variety. It also found the problem was most serious in hatcheries based on recycling (RAS) technology.
This latest report, which is yet to be confirmed is at Store Kobbøy in Måsøy municipality in the Troms and Finnmark region.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has been told by PHARMAQ Analytiq of findings compatible with ISA on fish at the site based on positive analysis results (PCR) from samples of fish.
The Food Safety Authority is planning an inspection of the facility soon, and will carry out follow-up samples so that the Veterinary Institute can confirm whether or not this is the fish disease ISA.
It said everyone travelling in the area who is engaged in fish farming will have to show special care to prevent the disease from spreading.
The site has been in a control zone for ISA imposed earlier in the summer, so many of the restrictions are already in place. These include a ban on the movement of fish without a special permit. If the suspicion is confirmed, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority may order the site to be emptied.
