ISA threat returns to Norwegian salmon farms

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said this week that a suspected case is being investigated in Åfjord municipality in the Trøndelag region. Salmar Oppdrett AS, the farming production arm of the SalMar group, is engaged in salmon production at the location.

It is thought to be the first suspected case in Norway for almost two months.

The Authority said fish samples had been taken at the location during a routine control operation. The test results on Monday this week provided grounds for suspicion of ISA.

Salmar Oppdrett AS notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on 25 April about suspected ISA at the location.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will soon ensure that samples are taken and sent to the Veterinary Institute for possible confirmation of an ISA diagnosis.

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

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

A restriction zone consists of a protection zone and a surveillance zone and entails restrictions on, among other things, traffic in the sea area around the site.

ISA is harmless to humans, but the financial impact on salmon companies of early culls can be very expensive.