Helgeland declared free of PD, restriction zone lifted.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has lifted the pancreatic disease (PD) restriction zone on the Helgeland coast, confirming the region is now free of the viral salmon disease following measures introduced after an outbreak in autumn 2023.
The authority said the restrictions imposed on fish farmers in Helgeland had worked as intended and prevented further spread of PD in Nordland and farther north.
“This has been demanding for those affected, but we see that this is necessary and right to prevent further spread in Nordland and northwards,” said acting department head Aud Skrudland at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
A protection zone established after the 2023 outbreak was removed in November 2024 and replaced with a local surveillance zone, which remained in place for one year to confirm that the disease was under control.
“We would like to thank the industry and the fish health services for their good efforts and cooperation throughout this demanding period. It has been crucial to our success,” Skrudland said.
The authority noted that PD can be controlled in areas where the disease is not widespread if infection is detected early and sites with infected fish are emptied as quickly as possible.
General preventive requirements remain in force, including:
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Monthly sampling to monitor the occurrence of PD
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Washing, disinfection, certification and quarantine for wellboats and service vessels that have worked in PD zones before entering surveillance zones
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A ban on transporting live salmon, trout and rainbow trout, except fry, from PD zones into surveillance zones
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A ban on transporting live cleaner fish from facilities taking in untreated seawater to facilities in surveillance zones
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A ban on transporting live salmon, trout and rainbow trout for slaughter across Hustadvika
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority said it will continue risk-based supervision and monitoring to protect fish health and prevent new outbreaks.
