The health situation in farmed fish in Norway 2007
The annual report on the health siituation in farmed fish in Norway, from the National Veterinary Institute, is now available in english.
In the course of 2007, Norwegian aquaculture produced 750 000 tonnes of salmon, 80 000 tonnes of rainbow trout, 12 000 tonnes (estimate) of cod and 200 tonnes (estimate) of other species, representing a considerable increase from last year. For many years Norway has experienced a relatively favourable disease situation in farmed fish. Over the last few years this situation has, however, become slightly less straightforward.
In salmonid fish, pancreas disease (PD) gives grounds for concern. From only a handful of affected localities 10 years ago, the disease has now spread along the whole west coast. “New” diseases like heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI) in salmon and francisellosis in cod increase in frequency and extend their range.
Norway is not alone in experiencing a continually more serious disease situation. The world’s second largest producer of salmon, Chile, is also experiencing difficulties, and the industry there is suffering large losses. The causes are complex, but there is good reason to believe that a focus on general hygienic principles will be important in turning the situation around.
For this work to be effective, extensive cooperation within the fish farming industry is required. The most significant risk factors for spread of disease will always be related to transport of fish. Measures aimed at reduction of transport and transport-related risk factors are therefore important. Such measures must however, not lead to a reduced prioritisation of other important control strategies e.g. vaccine development.
“New” diseases will always present challenges. We are dependent on a well-functioning fish health service which can identify and investigate emerging disease problems at an early stage. We are further dependent on a laboratory system which can collate and report information relating to new trends and problems.
Disease related losses remain unacceptably high. There is much to be won in the battle towards increased overall production through intensification of work directed at disease impact reduction, rather than a unilateral increase in numbers of fish cultured.
Download the report The health situation in farmed fish in Norway 2007
