Aquatic Animal Welfare

Aquaculture Infectious Salmon Anaemia and Welfare

Infectious salmon anaemia is a notifiable viral disease causing high mortality in farmed Atlantic salmon, with welfare and biosecurity dimensions.

Key Facts

ISA caused catastrophic losses in Chilean and Norwegian salmon industries
Clinical signs include anaemia, pale gills, haemorrhage and severe debilitation
ISA outbreaks require mandatory depopulation of affected sites
Vaccines are available but biosecurity barriers remain the primary prevention tool
ISA outbreaks cause significant welfare harm through disease progression and emergency slaughter

Welfare Considerations

ISA causes severe and prolonged welfare harm through progressive disease before mortality or emergency slaughter. Strict biosecurity, vaccination and surveillance monitoring protect fish welfare by preventing outbreaks. Emergency slaughter, when required, must use humane methods even under crisis conditions.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture regulations requiring ISA biosecurity and surveillance standards
Choose certified salmon that includes disease management welfare requirements
Advocate for emergency humane slaughter protocols in aquaculture disease response