IPN virus has been detected in salmon in an open-net fish farm in Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland. It’s the first time that the virus has been detected in salmon in Iceland, though it was found in halibut in 1999. The virus poses no risk to humans.
Although the virus has been detected, its associated disease, infectious pancreatic necrosis, has not yet appeared in the salmon. In a press release, the Food and Veterinary Authority stated that the salmon in the net where the virus was detected is healthy and its condition overall good.
The press release states that it is likely the virus was transmitted to the fish from the surrounding environment. The Food and Veterinary authority confirms that the virus is harmless to humans and cannot be transmitted through fish products.
Jens Garðar Helgason, director of aquaculture company Laxar where the virus was detected, told RÚV the virus does not have much impact on salmon farming in Reyðarfjörður. “This virus can be harmful to small fry in freshwater. It hasn’t been detected in our freshwater stations rather it’s been detected in one out of twelve of our open nets.” To prevent the spread of the virus, the company has banned the transfer of salmon from that particular net. After they are harvested next fall, the area will remain unused for a year to prevent the virus from re-emerging.
