ISA
Viral
🔴 Fatal
🔔 OIE Notifiable
💉 Vaccine Available
Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA)
🦠 Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus (ISAV)
📋 Overview
ISA emerged in Norwegian salmon farms in 1984 and has since caused catastrophic outbreaks worldwide. The 2007 Chilean outbreak wiped out over half the industry within two years. All confirmed cases must be reported to WOAH; infected farms must be depopulated and disinfected.
📊 Key Facts
Causative Agent
Infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus (ISAV)
Geographic Range
Norway, Faroe Islands, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Chile
Transmission Routes
Waterborne, fish-to-fish, contaminated equipment
Primary Host
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Economic Impact
Devastating - Chile 2007 outbreak collapsed salmon farming; $2B losses
🩺 Clinical Signs
Severe anaemia, pale gills, dark liver, ascites, mass mortalities within 2-4 weeks.
🛡️ Prevention
ℹ️ Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing this disease in aquaculture and aquarium settings.
Vaccination of smolts, strict biosecurity, no cross-cage transfer, disinfection of well-boats.