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Bacterial kidney disease suspected at Mowi site

Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) is suspected at a Mowi salmon farming site in Trondelag, Norway.

Vince 22jan26 Fish Farmer file picture from previous story on BKD

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority says that everyone who travels in the area and engages in activities related to fish farming must exercise the necessary care to avoid the spread of any disease.

The suspicion is based on samples taken during routine checks last week. Test results on January 16, 2026 gave grounds for suspicion of BKD in four fish.

Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) in salmon is serious, causing significant mortality (up to 80% in the case of Pacific salmon) and chronic losses in farmed and wild populations globally.

This can lead to economic impact, although it doesn’t affect humans. It is a persistent, slow-progressing bacterial infection causing lethargy, skin darkening, protruding eyes, and internal organ damage, with no easy treatment and requiring strict biosecurity to manage spread.

There is no outright cure and the economic damage can be high.

The Food Safety Authority said it will ensure that samples are taken and sent to the Veterinary Institute for possible verification and confirmation of the diagnosis.

To limit the spread of any infection, restrictions have been imposed on the location, including a ban on moving fish without special permission.

It also said farms in the area must be particularly vigilant for BKD during all health inspections.

It adds: “It is important to prevent further spread between farms or to wild fish through fish, equipment and boats.

“Equipment, boats and crew should not be shared between multiple aquaculture facilities. If this cannot be avoided, there should be routines for cleaning and disinfection.”

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How can biosecurity measures effectively prevent BKD spread in salmon farms?What protocols ensure safe disinfection of equipment between aquaculture sites?How does early detection of BKD improve management outcomes in salmon farming?What are the economic benefits of restricting fish movement during BKD outbreaks?How can routine health inspections enhance BKD monitoring in salmon farms?

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