Mowi facing second ISA threat

Mowi has informed the Norwegian Food Safety of its suspicions which are based on positive analysis results (PCR) at the site.

The authority said it will soon ensure that samples are taken and sent to the Veterinary Institute for possible confirmation of the diagnosis.

To limit the spread of infection, restrictions have been imposed on the location, including a ban on moving fish without special permission. If the suspicion is confirmed, the Food Safety Authority may order the evacuation of the premises, or possibly parts of the premises.  If the diagnosis is confirmed, a new assessment will be made of the extent of the restriction zone to prevent, limit and combat ISA.

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.

On 20 April, ISA was suspected at the sea location 35377 Kveitskjeret in Frøya municipality in Trøndelag county where Mowi is engaged in salmon farming. Again suspicions were based on positive analysis results.

The authority ruled that everyone travelling in the area and engaging in activities related to fish farming must exercise the necessary care to avoid the spread of any disease. ISA is not harmful to humans, however.

Around Easter, bacterial kidney disease (BKD) was also suspected at a Mowi site in the Trondelag area. This has since been confirmed by the Food Safety Authority.