SSPO reaction to Second case of Infectious Salmon Anaemia detected in Shetland

In response to today’s (30th January) announcement that Fisheries Research Services (FRS) Inspectors have found the Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) virus in a second salmon farm in Shetland, Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) said:

“As the farm lies within the existing control zone all the appropriate biosecurity precautions are already in place and we continue to work closely alongside the Fisheries Research Services inspectors and key authorities to manage the situation. We are aware that no fish have been moved in or out of this site since April 2008 and remain confident that this virus outbreak is contained within the control and surveillance zone. The Scottish industry has a good, internationally recognised, record in fish health and welfare and it is very important to us that we get back on track as quickly as possible.”

Mr Landsburgh also stressed that the presence of the virus does not mean that clinical disease is present, and indeed, fish tested did not show any clinical symptoms of the disease. However, FRS are bound to take action as a precaution.

He also highlighted that ISA is specific to fish and does not pose any risk whatsoever to humans.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Scottish salmon farming industry has been free of ISA since May 1999 and has an excellent protocol in the Code of Practice for managing this current situation.
2. As a result of the finding, FRS is now operating control procedures set out in the Code of Practice to Avoid and Minimise the Impact of ISA, which was written jointly by Scottish Government officials and the salmon farming industry in 2000.
   

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For further information, contact Ken Hughes 01738 587006 / 07974 173739 or Julie Edgar 01738 587000 / 0789 987 5151.

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