Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is suspected at a site in Alver municipality, Vestland county, jointly operated by Norwegian salmon producers Lingalaks, Landøy Fiskeopdrett , Blom Fiskeopdrett, and Tombre Fiskeanlegg, according to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
The companies notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on 23 August of findings that seemed to indicate the presence of ISA on fish at the site.
The suspicion is based on the results of analyses carried out at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute after samples were taken from fish at the site located just 50km north of Bergen.
These suspicions were confirmed by the Institute on Sep. 13, according to the report.
Local authorities are urging individuals in the region, particularly those engaged in fish farming activities, to exercise caution to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
While the location is already part of an existing monitoring zone for ISA, due to the site being emptied of fish, there won’t be a confirmation of the ILA diagnosis. Consequently, no new restriction zone will be established in relation to this particular case
ISA is a viral disease that can result in serious economic losses in the salmon farming industry.
The virus can cause severe anaemia in salmon due to the bursting of red blood cells. Clinical signs in infected fish can include lethargy, swimming close to the water surface or the sides of cages, pale gills, swollen abdomen, and sometimes, internal and external haemorrhaging.
The disease is a concern for aquaculture operations because of its potential to cause high mortality rates and its impact on fish health and farm productivity.
