ISA outbreak confirmed at SalMar facility

A week after reporting a suspected outbreak of infectious salmon anemia (ISA) at a SalMar facility, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet in its Norwegian name) has notified that the suspicion has been confirmed. As a result, in addition to the restrictions imposed on the site, the plant is being culled.

Chronology of the events

On January 13, Friday, SalMar reported findings consistent with ISA in fish at location 31797 Fartøyvik. Three days later, on Monday, January 16, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority conducted an inspection of the plant and took fish samples for possible verification of ISA.

One week after, on January 23, the Veterinary Institute made the diagnosis of ISA. Thus, based on the results of the Veterinary Institute's analysis, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority confirmed the diagnosis of ISA last Monday, January 23, 2023.

Measures and restrictions

As announced last week, to limit the spread of the infection, restrictions have been imposed on the site, including a ban on moving fish without a special permit. Moreover, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has reported that the plant is being culled. In addition, a restricted zone will soon be established to prevent, limit and combat ISA.

A restriction zone consists of a protection zone and a surveillance zone and entails restrictions on traffic in the maritime area around the site, among other things, the Authority explains. The location of marine site 31797 Fartøyvika where ISA disease has been confirmed is in the municipality of Måsøy in Troms and Finnmark county, so the restricted zone should be expected to extend approx. 10 – 20 km from that point.