15 May
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In the News: “Findings from the Strategic Salmon Health Initiative (SSHI) related to Piscine orthoreovirus in British Columbia”

Over the past several years, there have been increasing public concerns over the role of
infectious disease in BC salmon declines, and specifically whether open-net salmon farming
may increase pathogen exposure and disease risks to wild Pacific salmon. One pathogen,
piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), has been of particular public concern, as it is the causative agent
of an emerging disease. In Norway, PRV is recognized as the causative agent of heart and
skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI); a disease among the most impactful to the country’s
industry[1]. In BC, on the other hand, there has been substantial controversy surrounding PRV
and its ability to cause disease.

To read the full report click here.