Marine Harvest Canada comments on fish virus findings

Campbell River, April 17th, 2012

Marine Harvest Canada would like to respond to news media coverage of recent reports concerning a fish virus found in salmon from grocery stores in British Columbia (BC).

The core of this story is the detection of piscine reovirus (PRV) using an undisclosed sampling method on farm-raised Atlantic salmon. Contrary to claims made by the source of these findings, the detection of PRV is not an indicator of a disease such as Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI).

Detection of PRV is not new and it is known to be widespread in wild and farm-raised marine fish species including farm-raised salmon. "PRV is sometimes detected in healthy fish showing no clinical signs of disease," says Dr. Diane Morrison, Fish Health and Food Safety Director, "and the presence of PRV does not equal the presence of a disease nor disease concern."

The presence of PRV in fish does not pose a risk to human health.

Marine Harvest Canada farm-raised salmon are continually monitored and cared for to ensure optimal health. Fish health indicators that would be associated with HSMI or another disease concern are not present. Fish health data and audit results of our farm-raised salmon are available online.

Marine Harvest Canada is British Columbia's largest salmon aquaculture company with 500 employees. It's processing plants, marine and land based operations are located on and around Vancouver Island and the village of Klemtu.

Media contact: Clare Backman, Sustainable Programs Director - 250-850-3276 (7258)