Norwegian Food Safety Authority warns of escalating sea lice after warm summer.
High sea temperatures along the Norwegian coast this summer have created the basis for a challenging autumn with increased sea lice levels, according to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).
“It is important that rapid escalation of lice problems is not treated as a deviation that allows animal welfare to be deprioritised,” said Bård Skjelstad, director of Mattilsynet’s aquaculture inspection division.
He emphasised that farmers must follow the decisions of authorised animal health personnel regarding sea lice treatments.
Reports and analyses from the Institute of Marine Research indicate higher infection pressure than in previous years. Skjelstad said Mattilsynet has received field reports of elevated lice levels in some areas, with a rapid escalation of breaches of permitted limits.
To avoid a repeat of the situation in Northern Norway in 2024, many companies have strengthened preparedness, but treatment capacity remains under pressure in several regions.
Animal health personnel have the decisive role in whether lice treatments can be carried out. Mattilsynet said it has received reports of veterinarians facing pressure from farmers to implement treatments that could compromise welfare.
“We expect farming companies to act professionally and respect the decisions of animal health personnel in order to safeguard fish welfare – even if that entails financial losses,” said Skjelstad.
Mattilsynet confirmed it will continue unannounced inspections this autumn in cooperation with the Norwegian Coast Guard. These will include spot checks on sea lice treatments, follow-up of serious incidents linked to delousing, and control of emergency slaughter from wellboats.
