ISA makes unwelcome comeback

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority says there is a suspected case at a facility operated by the company Holmøy Havbruk in Nordland county.

As usual in such cases, the suspicion is based on positive analysis results (PCR) after sampling fish at the location.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said it is planning an inspection of the facility soon to take follow-up samples that will be sent to the Veterinary Institute for possible confirmation of the disease.

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

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

This is the first probable incident since the beginning of July, but before that concern was growing among Norwegian fish related health authorities at the increased number of infectious salmon anaemia outbreaks, particularly in the north of the country.

One such incident resulted in lay-offs at a northern fish farm. The Nordland and Troms regions appear to be the areas most seriously affected.

ISA, of course, only affects the fish and is not harmful to humans. But it is often costly for affected salmon companies.

If this latest suspicion is confirmed, it will come as another setback for Holmøy Havbruk which has just announced its 2024 results, showing a drop in turnover and pre-tax profits.