Atlantic Salmon in danger !

N.B. This is not Myxobolus cerebralis the Whirling disease

Atlantic Salmon in danger from a contagious parasite called Gyrodactylus Salaris. The parasite has already devastated freshwater salmon in a number of countries.

In Norway, salmon stocks in 20 rivers have been virtually wiped out. The parasite which is less than a millimetre long, multiplies very rapidly, and it only takes one to start an infection and destroy a rivers stock.

Countries currently affected are:

Denmark Finland France Germany Italy Norway Portugal Russia Spain Sweden

The parasite is capable of surviving for several days in damp and/or wet conditions (such as on waders, fishing tackle, bags,nets etc.), therefore it could be accidentally introduced by an angler who fishes a river in an infected country and then uses the same equipment in the UK without taking precautionary measures.

The parasite needs a wet environment to survive. If you fish in any of the infected countries make sure that your tackle is completely dry before using it on any UK river. The safest precaution is to dry your tackle at a minimum of 20 degrees celsius for at least two days before use in the UK.

It attaches itself by one end and eats with the other end.

Ref1: www2.gov.scot Ref2: St Andrews Uni Ref3: Stockton Anglers