SalMar reports suspected ILA case at Tromsø site.
A suspected outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) has been reported at a salmon farming site operated by SalMar Oppdrett in Tromsø municipality, Troms county, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
The site in question, identified as location 31398 Finnvik, is now subject to further investigation and enhanced monitoring. Mattilsynet confirmed that suspicion was raised following routine health checks, and samples have been collected for laboratory analysis to confirm or rule out the presence of the notifiable disease.
Infectious salmon anaemia is a viral disease affecting farmed Atlantic salmon and can lead to significant losses in affected populations. While not harmful to humans, ISA is considered one of the most serious viral threats in the aquaculture sector due to its impact on fish health, farm operations, and international trade.
If the presence of ISA is confirmed, Mattilsynet will implement a series of contingency measures, which may include movement restrictions, culling of affected stocks, and a temporary halt to restocking activities. The agency is working in cooperation with SalMar to trace the source and assess any potential spread to nearby facilities.
SalMar Oppdrett has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. The company operates multiple sites along the Norwegian coast and is among the country’s largest salmon farming firms.
Mattilsynet stated that updates would be provided as laboratory test results become available.