Norwegian salmon farming site ordered to cull all its fish 

NORWAY – According to IntraFish, a major Norwegian salmon farming site in Sykkylven, Møre og Romsdal, has been ordered to cull all its fish after confirming a bacterial kidney disease (BKD) outbreak. 

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) made the ruling after the disease was confirmed at the site, where Hofseth Sea Farming and Ewos Innovation jointly operate.

Hofseth Sea Farming first reported suspicion of BKD on July 31, 2024, after initial PCR tests and autopsy findings indicated the presence of the disease. This prompted an inspection by Mattilsynet on August 5, with the final diagnosis confirmed on August 14. 

Although the exact source of the infection remains unclear, the disease poses a serious threat to the aquaculture industry, known for its contagious nature and severe impact on fish health.

In response to the outbreak, Mattilsynet has mandated that the entire site be emptied of fish by September 15, 2024. The culling process has already begun, with the site expected to be fully cleared by week 36. 

Alongside the culling order, Mattilsynet has imposed strict restrictions on the site, including a ban on moving any fishery-related products, except for the culled fish, which can be transported to processing facilities.

BKD is not the only challenge facing Norway’s aquaculture industry this year. The country has been grappling with an increase in infectious diseases, including infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) and pancreatic disease. 

Just days after the BKD confirmation in Sykkylven, Mattilsynet announced suspected ISA detections at two farms operated by Måsøval in Frøya, Trøndelag county. These farms house over 1.3 million salmon, and a potential ISA confirmation could lead to further culling and accelerated harvesting at these sites.

The ongoing outbreaks have prompted concerns over the future of Norway’s aquaculture sector, particularly as the industry faces mounting pressure to manage disease outbreaks while maintaining sustainable farming practices. 

The situation is further complicated by recent decisions from Mattilsynet, such as the rejection of SalMar’s proposal to open a new salmon farm in Frøyhavet municipality due to concerns over disease and sea lice.

As the culling continues at the Sykkylven site, the impact of these outbreaks on Norway’s salmon production is becoming increasingly evident. 

With major producers like Hofseth, Ewos, Måsøval, SalMar, and others affected by these diseases, the industry is likely to see a reduction in output and increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities. 

The events underscore the critical need for enhanced biosecurity measures and innovative solutions to combat the spread of diseases in aquaculture, ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.

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