The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) will assess the risks of transmitting infectious diseases through trading frozen milt from Atlantic salmon and Rainbow trout.
The VKM is conducting the assessment, on behalf of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA).
The NFSA request knowledge on what types of infectious diseases that may be transmitted through frozen milt trade, as well as whether disease control should be made at national, regional or lower levels.
In addition, The NFSA request answers to what requirements should be made for exporters to document that the milt does not carry infectious diseases.
The VKM will also consider other measures that can ensure that frozen milt does not transmit infectious diseases.
Will develop standards for trade in genetic material
The use of frozen milt opens up new opportunities in the trade of genetic breeding material on farmed fish. All trade concerning living materials involve a risk of transmitting infectious diseases. Little has been done to develop good standards to eliminate risks in fish farming, as opposed to, for example, cattle breeding.
The VKM's assessment will be an important source of knowledge when the NFSA develops such standards for fish farming. The assessment will also contribute to the development of standards in the OIE - World Organization for the Animal Health Acquatic Animal Health Code.
The VKM´s Panel on animal health and animal welfare is responsible for the risk assessment. The assessment is expected to be published in November 2018.
Contact
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment
Office:
Sandakerveien 24 C (entrance D11) 0473 Oslo
Webmaster: Astrid Tvedt
Responsible editor: Ingrid M. Høie
