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Dead salmon by ISA virus. (Photo: Fedequellon)
OIE approves reforms that will help protect aquatic health heritage
(CHILE, 6/4/2013)
During the 81st General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), held in Paris, France, a series of amendments to the chapter on aquatic animals that are very important for the Chilean aquaculture were adopted.
These changes relate to pancreas disease or alpha virus infection in salmon, infectious salmon anemia (ISA).
The head of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca), Pablo Galilea, described the changes as an achievement for the protection of the national aquaculture sanitary heritage.
The head of Subpesca Aquaculture Division José Miguel Burgos, who represented Chile in this event, explained that "this implies the adoption of rules relating to ISA and pancreas disease, now called salmon alpha virus infection."
"In relation to the ISA virus, it was approved that the infection caused by the salmon infectious anemia virus in the virulent variables and also in the one causing the subclinical disease, that is to say, the one not presenting symptoms of the disease, known as HPR0, can be considered," stated the official.
The undersecretary of Fisheries said that variant is monitored in Chile because "it is considered as a risk factor in the ISA virus disease spread, which caused a serious crisis for the sector in the 2007-2010 period."
And he indicated that based on several European studies, "this variant may have a role in the occurrence of new cases of virulent ISA."
"Our policy has been issued considering this risk and therefore it is also very important that these changes have been recognized by international regulations through the OIE, which is the technical branch of the World Trade Organization," the undersecretary added.
"Additionally, this contributes greatly to transparency, because with this rule it is clear that countries must notify all variants of the virus and not just those that cause symptoms in fish," he stressed.
In addition, several rules were adopted in order to improve the management of spread risks of this disease, and it was resolved that pancreas disease can start being called salmon alpha virus infection.
In Galilea´s opinion, this is an important decision, which was taken after a request made by Chile three years ago.
"This is important because it will allow us to have better information on the health situation in the country, as its notification is made mandatory, and it will make it possible to reduce the risk of this disease, which is exotic in our country," he stated.
The Chilean salmon farming industry exports products worth over USD 3,000 million each year.
Related article:
- Salmon industry health indicators worsen, according to Intesal
By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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