COPENHAGEN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Salmon and trout at a hatchery in South Jutland have been found to be affected by a viral disease, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) said in a press release on Wednesday.
The outbreak of infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) was declared on Tuesday after the virus was found in samples taken by the DVFA from a trout farm in the town of Stouby, 253 km west of Copenhagen.
The discovery of IHN by the DVFA also marks the first time that the disease has ever been diagnosed in the country.
"This means that Denmark no longer has the status of free of IHN. IHN is deadly to fish, but cannot infect humans," said Tim Petersen, deputy head of the DVFA, in the press release.
At the infected hatchery, which produces approximately 95 tonnes of trout annually, all fish, products and equipment have been quarantined.
In addition, the DVFA is to establish restriction zones around the fish farm.
In a further effort to contain the spread of the virus, the DVFA is tracking contacts and shipments to and from the fish farm.
While the source of the infection is still unknown, the DVFA is acutely aware that the financial implications on the fish farming industry in Denmark could be potentially devastating.
"This may give rise to export markets and trading countries wanting to limit trade in live fish and fish products from Denmark for a period," Petersen said.
Denmark will only be able to regain its status as an IHN-free country when no infection with IHN has been found in the country for two years, says the press release. Enditem
