Grieg Seafood Finnmark should cull one million fish, according to Norwegian Food Safety Authority

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has notified two decisions against Grieg Seafood Finnmark AS that they must cull and destroy fish in four cages at the Laholmen location and four cages at the Vedbotn location in Nordkapp municipality.

The reason is high mortality and poor welfare as a result of the disease systemic spironucleouse. Grieg Seafood Finnmark AS has until 25 October to submit objections to the notices of decision. A disease that causes poor welfare and high mortality

Eventually, Spironucleus salmonicida is a rare parasitic disease in farmed fish. The parasite spreads to all parts of the fish's body, muscles, internal organs, and skin and forms boils and sores. Mortality can be high. There is no known treatment for the disease. The disease is harmless to humans.

Based on historical experience with the disease and the development of the disease at the locations in recent months, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority assesses that the health and welfare situation cannot be expected to improve in the eight cages.

More screenings in Troms and Finnmark

Firstly, infection with systemic spironucleosis was detected in salmon at a hatchery and seven food fish farms in Troms and Finnmark.

This applies to the localities: Adam himself, Mårsanjarga, The mountain snow, Davatluft, Stangnes, Kleppene's, Laholmen, and Wood bottom.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority was notified of the first case in March 2022 and has since followed up on the locations and carried out several inspections following the findings.

The Authority continuously assesses the situation at the remaining locations and has requested administrative support.

Therefore, it has asked the Veterinary Institute for assistance in assessing the consequences of the spread of the disease.

The fisheries and aquaculture industry's research funding (FHF) has announced NOK seven million to improve knowledge about the parasite.

Grieg Seafood reaction

According to a company statement, measures have been taken and additional ones are under assessment. There have been no detections on the current generation in the facility, which is being transferred to sea. In more detail, the Group remains in close dialogue with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on the issue.