This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Protecting salmon from deadly parasite
31/08/2005
The first meeting of a group set up to help block the possible spread of a deadly salmon parasite into Scottish rivers will take place today.
'Gyrodactylus salaris' has wiped out stocks in more than 40 Norwegian rivers. It is a freshwater parasite which infects the skin, gills and fins of salmon and trout. It is so small that it is barely visible to the naked eye.
The parasite occurs naturally in the Baltic rivers of Finland and Russia, where native fish have developed tolerance to it. The effects of the disease it triggers are fatal to Atlantic salmon. The parasite is very hardy and could be introduced inadvertently on fishing tackle and other sports equipment used in infected waters.
Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin established the working group. She said:
"We take very seriously the threat that this parasite could pose to wild salmon stocks should it gain entry to our rivers.
"The working group will play a key role in developing plans to prevent the introduction of Gyrodactylus salaris into Scotland, in preventing the introduction of the parasite to Scottish rivers and devising contingency plans to control and eradicate the parasite should it be introduced."
The working group will be chaired by Arthur Griffiths, who played a leading role in tackling the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. The former Divisional Veterinary Manager with the State Veterinary Service has wide experience of contingency planning.