Fish processing facilities: new challenge to marine biosecurity in Canada

Overview
TitleFish processing facilities: new challenge to marine biosecurity in Canada
AuthorsPrice MH, Morton A, Eriksson JG, Volpe JP
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameJournal of aquatic animal health
Volume25
Issue4
Year2013
Page(s)290-4
CitationPrice MH, Morton A, Eriksson JG, Volpe JP. Fish processing facilities: new challenge to marine biosecurity in Canada. Journal of aquatic animal health. 2013 Dec; 25(4):290-4.

Abstract

The transmission of pathogens is a common consequence of animal food production. Marine salmon farms and their processing facilities can serve as sources of virulent fish pathogens; our study is the first to confirm the broadcast of a live fish pathogen from a farmed salmon processing facility into the marine waters of Canada's Pacific coast. We found live salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis, mucus, and fish tissue in effluent from the processing facility. Sea lice transmitted from this source may pose a threat to wild salmon populations, and the release of untreated offal, including blood water, is of considerable concern. Further research is needed to quantify the extent to which processing facilities release sea lice and to determine whether more virulent fish pathogens are present in effluent. These data underscore the need for fish farming nations to develop mandatory biosecurity programs to ensure that farmed salmon processing facilities will prevent the broadcast of infectious fish pathogens into wild fish habitat.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1M H H Price
2A Morton
3J G Eriksson
4J P Volpe
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelPrint
ISSN0899-7659
pISSN0899-7659
Publication Date2013 Dec
Journal AbbreviationJ. Aquat. Anim. Health
DOI10.1080/08997659.2013.847871
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Elocation10.1080/08997659.2013.847871
Journal CountryUnited States
Publication TypeResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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DatabaseAccession
PMID: PMID:24341771