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Salmon disease suspected on a further three sites
29/06/1998
The disease Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) is suspected of being present on three farms to the west of Loch Creran, where the disease has already been confirmed on three sites. Two of the suspected sites are on Lismore Island, the other is on Shuna Island
The owner of the farms has been notified and statutory notices have been served requiring various measures to be taken designed to prevent the spread of any disease found to be present. Meantime, further laboratory tests are being undertaken.
Other farms in the wider coastal area remain under official surveillance.
BACKGROUND
1. ISA is a disease of salmon in seawater which poses no threat to humna health. It is notifiable under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937 and is classified as a List I disease under the EC Fish Health regime which requires eradication action when an outbreak is confirmed.
2. ISA has previously been identified in Norway and Canada where it is controlled, but this is the first outbreak in the European Community.
3. The disease is transmitted between fish through blood, urine, faeces and body fluids. There is no evidence of transmission between generations through eggs.
News Release: 1353/98
29 June 1998