The detection of a possible pathogenic ISA-virus is
not connected to any increase in mortality, and there
is no impact on fish health or fish welfare.
Three of the routine surveillance samples for RT-PCR
analyses taken at farm A80, Selatrað by the Veterinary
authority, have been tested ISAV-positive.
Further sequencing of these three ISA-virus positive
samples showed a deletion in the HPR-region in one
sample. However, post-mortem examination of fish in
the farm did not show any pathological signs of ISA.
Bakkafrost has decided to activate the ISA-contingency
plan immediately and hence enforced slaughtering of
the last cage on the farming site A-80 Selatrað. The
farm will be empty within some days. The average
weight pr fish is estimated to be approx 5.0 kg. gwt.
PCR-analyses on new samples from the farm showed the
same deletions in the HPR-region and hence a
possibility of the presence of an ISA-pathogenic
virus.
The farming companies and the authorities have put a
lot of work into maintaining the good biological
status in the Faroe Islands. Regular surveillance
tests for ISA-viruses have been performed at all farms
during the last approx 10 years in sea sites in the
Faroes.
Bakkafrost will send out a stock announcement, when
the final results are available from the site in
Selatrað, confirming or denying the suspicion of the
pathogen variants of the ISA-virus.
Contacts:
Regin Jacobsen, CEO of P/F Bakkafrost: +298 23 50 01
(mobile)
Teitur Samuelsen, CFO of P/F Bakkafrost: +298 23 51 11
(mobile)
This information is subject of the disclosure
requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities
Trading Act)
About Bakkafrost:
Bakkafrost is the largest salmon farmer in the Faroe
Islands. The Group is fully integrated from feed
production to smolt, farming, VAP and sales. The Group
has production of fishmeal, fish oil and salmon feed
in Fuglafjørður. The Group operates licenses on 14
farming fjords. The Group has primary processing in
Klaksvík, Kollafjørð and Strendur and secondary
processing (VAP) in Glyvrar and Fuglafjørður. The
headquarters are located in Glyvrar, and the company
has a total of 590 employees.
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