Still no source identified for ISA outbreak

Throughout the first few months of 2009, three cases of ISA were confirmed in South-West Shetland. However, the source of the virus has not yet been identified.

“The last time we had ISA in Scotland there was no final conclusion as to what was the source. It took a year to complete the investigation. There was a concluding report which favoured some explanations, but nothing concrete. 

“I expect that could be the case again,”  admits David Sandison - the general manager of the island’s industry body Shetland Aquaculture.

One theory is that given the right conditions, the natural environment can create ISA. Others are saying that if the virus has not been present for ten years, it must have come in some way - such as with a wellboat.

“We are collaborating closely with the Government and are hoping to be able to piece together the picture.

“It would be great to have a conclusive source of infection – it would do a lot of good. Then we would know what didn’t work,” Sandison told FishfarmingXpert.