After the IHN virus was confirmed last week at a salmon farm on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, salmon farmers announced that they are working together on virus management.
Mainstream Canada detected IHN virus as part of a routine inspection at its Dixon Bay farm. The site has been officially quarantined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the company is depopulating the site.
Representatives from all three of the region’s Atlantic salmon-farming companies —Mainstream (owned by Cermaq), Marine Harvest and Grieg Seafood — are working together to coordinate approaches to mitigate the spread of the virus by adding testing and supporting the affected company.
Members of the B.C. Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) all signed a viral disease management plan, which has been implemented. The plan outlines communications, shared resources and plans for disposal and follow-up.
“These companies are paying close attention to the situation and moved immediately to assess their current situation and prepare for steps to come,” said Mary Ellen Walling, BCSFA executive director. “The action by all members has been thorough, decisive and organized. This is definitely concerning news for our members, but they recognize that it’s critical to work with each other and with regulators to ensure that potential impacts are minimized.”
