Bacterial kidney disease confirmed in central Norway

The company first notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority over two weeks ago of its suspicions. This was based on samples taken based on clinical findings.

The authority said in a statement that it has now confirmed the BKD diagnosis which is based on analysis results from the Veterinary Institute. It is now reminding 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.

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

The site is operated by Mowi Seawater Norway and produces salmon for consumption. The disease was confirmed on April 8 after analyses by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

BKD is a worldwide disease of salmonids, both in wild and farmed populations and it only affects salmonids.

The cause of BKD is the gram-positive bacterium Renibacterium salmoninarum . In Norway, BKD was first detected by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute in 1980 in offspring from wild broodstock salmon, and infected wild salmon are believed to be the main source of the BKD cases that have been detected in Norway in recent years.

BKD is a chronic condition, but can cause acute mortality, especially in younger fish. It is most often detected after abnormal mortality some time after the release of smolt into the sea.