Cermaq detects ISA virus at Chilean site
Salmon farmer Cermaq has detected the presence of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) virus on one of its farms located on Aysén region, in Chile.
In a press release, Cermaq said the virus was detected during routine sampling and confirmed by laboratory samples.
It added: “The type of virus has not yet been confirmed and we are awaiting test results from a third party laboratory clarifying this.
“The affected net pen belongs to the farming site Rowlet 750, located in the Aysén Region. The site has not had any mortality associated with the virus. It is important to highlight that in addition to its high biosafety standards, Cermaq has implemented measures to preserve a very good sanitary situation for the fish.”
Extraordinary measures
Francisco Miranda, general manager of Cermaq Chile, said: “Thanks to the internal routine sampling, we were able to ensure early detection of the virus. This has enabled us to implement extraordinary biosafety measures, while the virus type can be determined.
“It is important to underline that there is no mortality associated to the presence of the virus, which is why the relevant cage at Rowlet 750 is not subject to sanitary emergency. This is very positive.”
Cermaq farms salmon in Chile, Canada and Norway and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi.
