SpiroFri is a project against Spironucleosis, a systemic disease transmitted by the Spironucleus parasite that can cause mortality among fish, as well as affect the quality of fish, particularly salmon. These factors have caused concern in the industry since the parasite was reported in the north of Norway in 2022.
The parasite spironucleosis was first detected in a smolt plant supplying fish. From then on, the virus began to be detected in several feed farms in northern Norway in 2022.
Out of this concern the SpiroFri project was born, which aims to increase knowledge to prevent the spread. The idea of the project is to prevent the infection from entering and spreading in smolt facilities.
The project has three work packages. The first is a review of current findings and data on the parasite. The second involves research on biosecurity measures and the consequences of infection in hatcheries. Finally, the third, there would be infection trials investigating the possible routes of infection among fish.
SpiroFri has received NOK 7 million in research funding support from the fisheries and aquaculture industry and has a total budget of NOK 8.9 million. This is a collaborative project between the Marine Research Institute, Nofima, the Veterinary Institute, Pure Salmon Kaldnes and Grieg. Seafood.
