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Latest Farming News Sea Lice Control | Sea Lice Control |
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| Written by Donald Cronin | |
| Wednesday, 07 May 2008 | |
 The ISGA spokesman, Richie Flynn said, “Farmed salmon are stocked in marine sea pens directly from freshwater where they are absolutely free of any parasites and controlled by a strict health regime. Wild fish swimming in the vicinity of our marine farms infect our fish with lice which we must control as they can be a significant problem for farmed fish health and welfare. ISGA welcomes the integration of parasite control on salmon farms with the other livestock health programmes within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.” The ISGA spokesman continued, “On reading the Ministers’ sea lice plan, the ISGA is concerned at the increased level of red tape and bureaucracy associated with the implementation of a new management regime. We have always said that effective control is dependent on a partnership approach where monitoring of farms, treatments and follow-up veterinary advice is applied alongside effective site management, single generation farming and fallowing. The Government must recognise the huge investment of many millions of euros by salmon farmers in treatments, extra site management, veterinary costs and well-boats in order to maximise husbandry and minimize sea lice infection.” “Irish salmon farmers are committed to working hard to minimise sea lice infestation with the Government, including the Department and the Marine Institute. We need to ensure that this programme is about practical application of the best science and veterinary care and that the Government gives farmers the best opportunity to prevent infection by licensing sufficient fallowing sites so that sea lice joins the list of other animal health issues solved by common-sense management,” concluded Mr Flynn.      |
