A scientific paper released Jan. 6 ‘provides the first published evidence’ that a virus which could cause extensive damage to salmon stocks, has been detected in B.C.
According to an Eco Media release the study presented “the first published evidence that a European variant of infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is present in British Columbia.
“European ISAV is the most feared salmon virus in the salmon farming industry,” states the release. “When ISAV spread to Chile in Atlantic salmon eggs, there was no response to contain it. In 2007, it spread rapidly, causing $2 billion in damages, and outbreaks continue.”
The consequences could be even more serious for B.C. because the virus could infect wild stocks.
“Unlike Chile, B.C. has wild salmon that contribute billions of dollars to the economy through tourism, commercial and sports fishing,” the release says. “The risk of an outbreak has the potential for severe consequences in B.C., the Northwestern United States and Alaska.”
Says UBC’s Dr. Daniel Pauly, one of the world’s leading fisheries scientists: “I have been following this work for many years. ISA virus is a serious matter. A member of the influenza family in open ocean feedlots is a risk Canada should not be taking on the West Coast.”
The European ISA virus genetic sequence was detected in 72 per cent of cutthroat trout in Cultus Lake, home to the endangered Fraser River sockeye population.
Government attempts to restore Cultus Lake sockeye through fishing bans, enhancement and habitat restoration have proven unsuccessful.
“The potential that viruses such as ISAV are contributing to widespread decline in sockeye salmon populations cannot be taken lightly,” states the study’s co-author Dr. Rick Routledge.
“The findings in this paper should lead to development of more sensitive screening for this specific virus.”
