Routine fish health tests at Mainstream Canada’s Dixon
Bay farm tested positive for the IHN (Infectious Haematopoietic
Necrosis) virus.
This is the first diagnosis of IHN among farmed Atlantic salmon in
British Columbia since 2003.
 |
| Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, Taken thru glas, in Atlanterhavsparken, Ålesund, Norway (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Full press release:
During routine fish health tests May 14, Mainstream Canada's Dixon
Bay farm tested positive for the IHN (Infectious Haematopoietic
Necrosis) virus.
Third-party lab PCR test results have shown the presence of the
virus. Sequencing has confirmed the presence of IHN virus in these fish.
The farm site has been isolated and is currently being prepared for
depopulation, if deemed necessary upon completion of the investigation.
The company is following strict protocols to limit the spread of the
virus. The protocols are part of Mainstream Canada's fish health
management plan as well as an industry viral disease management plan.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been notified and is
investigating the finding. Fisheries and Oceans Canada's National
Laboratory is conducting confirmatory testing.
"We are very concerned about this fish health event and are taking
every step to make sure it is contained and any risks minimized," said
Fernando Villarroel, Mainstream Canada's managing director.
"This shows
our disease monitoring programs work. We were able to quickly detect IHN
while in its early stages and react decisively. Early detection is
crucial to minimizing the risk in any fish health situation."
The IHN virus is naturally carried by Pacific salmon, trout and
herring. Studies show wild Pacific salmon have a natural resistance to
the virus and very rarely suffer ill effects from it.
However, the virus causes Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis disease
in farmed Atlantic salmon. Since Atlantic salmon are not native to the
Pacific coast, they have not had hundreds of years to develop a natural
immunity to the virus, like their Pacific cousins. The disease can cause
high degrees of mortalities on Atlantic salmon farms if not quickly
managed and contained.
"This is the first diagnosis of IHN among farmed Atlantic salmon in
BC since 2003. Although IHN kills up to 100% of exposed Atlantic salmon,
wild salmon in marine waters are very resistant to IHNV infection,"
said Gary Marty, fish pathologist for the BC Animal Health Centre.
A lab study (Traxler et al, 1993) demonstrated this resistance under
controlled laboratory exposure conditions. 25 virus-free sockeye salmon
were added to a tank with 10 IHNV-injected Atlantic salmon. After 37
days, only 1 of the 25 sockeye salmon died, and the viral load in that
fish was low.
For more information contact Laurie Jensen,
Communications and Corporate Sustainability Manager, at
laurie.jensen@mainstreamcanada.com or 250.286.0022 ext. 2232
This blog is written by staff at International Aquafeed Magazine which is published and supported by Perendale Publishers Limited. To get your copy of PPL's web application, 'PPLAPP' click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment