Practical Biosecurity in Atlantic Salmon Production

To avoid fish pathogens, potential ports of entry into hatcheries and farms have to be identified and barriers put in place, e.g., restricted admission; personnel locks; and disinfection of biological material, water supply, and vectors. For Atlantic salmon, the water supply is of greatest potential risk for introduction of pathogens, both during the freshwater and seawater phases. Seawater constitutes the highest risk both to smolt farms and sea sites. Live fish material is also high risk. Among vectors, personnel and fomites coming into contact with infectious material pose the greatest risk, i.e., vaccinators, net cleaners, and wellboats.