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SEA LICE RESISTANCE

Providing factual information on B.C.’s salmon-farming industry is an important part of operating in the local area. Sometimes, stories surface that don’t include full explanations  - and bridging the information gap to ensure people understand the operations of the province’s largest agriculture producers is important for the BC Salmon Farmers Association.

Concerns have been raised recently that sea lice on farms may be becoming resistant to SLICE, the prescribed treatment used by B.C. salmon farms.

While there have been some problems with drug resistance in the Atlantic Ocean, research tells us that the species of sea lice in the Pacific Ocean are a different variety and are being treated successfully by SLICE.

Dr. Sonja Saksida, with the B.C. Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences, has recently submitted a new research paper on the topic to the Journal of Fish Diseases for peer review.

“After looking at five years of sea lice treatment data from B.C. salmon farming sites, we see no signs of resistance,” said Saksida.

To further ensure that remains the case, CAHS will begin further testing on resistance in April this year.

We will continue to provide updated information on these issues and others important to the salmon farming industry, under Hot Topics at www.salmonfarmers.org.

- Mary Ellen Walling

NBC RESPONSE LETTER

Sometimes information appears in the media that needs context, clarification or correction. That is certainly the case regarding a piece that aired March 4, 2010 on the NBC Nightly news.

Full letter »