During the past year, in three of Aqua Gen’s facilities, tumours have been detected in the gastrointestinal tract of a limited
number of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout brood fish.
The tumours were found in connection with the process of last grading and selection of brood fish for egg production. The
fish showed no indication of clinical disease and did have normal growth.
Based on extensive studies and analysis by the local fish health service in cooperation with the National Veterinary Institute
there are indications that the occurrence of intestinal tumours can be linked to the feed used. Aqua Gen uses two different
suppliers of feed. Tumours have only been found in brood fish given feed from one of the feed suppliers.
It should be emphasized that broodstock production is different from regular production of farmed fish for human consumption.
Special nutritional requirements have to be met, particularly during sexual maturation at nearly 4 years of age.
It should be also emphasized that there is no indication that the occurrence of intestinal tumours has affected the egg quality.
However, a marginal decrease in egg production volume has been experienced.
Aqua Gen has had a close cooperation with The National Veterinary Institute in Oslo, other research institutions and the feed
company in question to find causative factors related to the occurrence of intestinal tumours. Heavy metals, toxins, environmental
poisons or other harmful substances in concentrations that can have caused the tumours have not been detected. The Norwegian
Food Safety Authority (NFSA) stresses that there are no indications that this condition has implications for human food safety
or for the progeny of the brood fish. Information is also available at the
NFSA homepage.
