Comment on detection of PD virus on farming site in Troms and measures to be taken
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has confirmed the presence of the PD virus in a farming site at Finnvika in Tromsø Municipality. The site is owned by SalMar Nord AS, a 100% owned subsidiary of SalMar ASA.
The site holds a total of 2.1 million salmon with an average weight of approx. 300 grams. The production value of the fish is approx. 30 million. The site is planned to be harvested in 2013.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has today, January 24th issued a statement that all fish in the site is to be harvested out / destroyed by January 31st.
SalMar has argued that there are measures other than harvesting out that should be considered in this case. SalMar believes that there are other measures that would be biologically acceptable and that these measures will protect the value of the biomass in the site in a better way. The effects for employees and local communities would also be considerably less. SalMar has until January 26th to appeal against the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s decision and will initiate a dialogue with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on the matter.
SalMar will in parallel with the dialog make arrangements such that the deadlines set by Norwegian Food Safety Authority can be met if the decision stands.
SalMar will work to change smolt stocking and production plans such that the effects of a potential harvesting out of the site will not considerably affect harvest volumes in 2012 and 2013.
For more information
Head of Farming Bjørn Larsen - mob: + 47 913 22 707
Veterinary Arnfinn Aunsmo - mob: + 47 480 83 021