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# Screening protocols for pathogens in broodstock explained
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/screening-protocols-for-pathogens-in-broodstock-explained/
- Published: 2018-08-24T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:03:35.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: Cermaq Global, fish

Disease-causing pathogens originate from the wild and can affect both wild and farmed fish. At Cermaq, we conduct thorough checks on our breeding stock to ensure that the eggs introduced into our freshwater facilities are pathogen-free. Learn more about our screening programs. Every salmon farmer aims to prevent diseases, which are typically caused by pathogens. All pathogens originate from the wild, with some being native to the area (endemic), while others may be introduced through eggs or fish (exotic). Pathogens primarily spread in two ways: horizontally from one fish to another in tanks (on land) or in the sea, or vertically from parent to offspring. Many pathogens can spread both ways. "We are committed to ensuring that the fish we transfer from our land-based smolt facilities to the sea do not carry pathogens. As a result, we have implemented screening programs in our operations in Chile, Canada, and Norway to prevent the transfer of pathogens through smolt transfer to the sea," says R&D Director Olai Einen. At Cermaq, we screen for the following vertically transmittable pathogens: - ISAV including HPR0 \*: Causes Infectious Salmon Anemia (Present in Norway, Canada, Chile) - Renibacterium salmoninarum: Causes Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) (Present in Canada, Chile) - PRV (Piscine Orthoreovirus): Specific PRV-strains in Norway and Chile can cause Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) (Present in Norway, Chile) - Infectious pancreatic necrosis-virus (IPNV): Causes Infectious pancreatic necrosis (Present in Norway, Chile) - Flavobacterium psychrophilum: Causes Flavobacteriosis (RTFS) Rainbowtrout (Present in Chile) - Infectious Haematopoetic Necrosis virus (IHNv): Causes Infectious haematopoetic necrosis (Present in Canada) - Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv): Causes Hemorrhagic septicemia (Present in Canada) \*HPR0 is a non-virulent form of ISA-virus Our screening is risk-based: If a pathogen is not screened, it may be either because it is not present in the area or because it is not considered a threat in that area. However, we are screening for PD in Chile, even though it has never been found there, because the potential consequences of an outbreak are deemed significant enough to warrant it. Pathogens can be transferred from parent to offspring in two ways, as illustrated below. If there is a false vertical transmission, the eggs can be made pathogen-free through thorough disinfection procedures of the eggs. Screening of breeding stock fish will not eliminate pathogens endemic in the sea. This is particularly the case in BC where the wild salmon population greatly outnumbers the farmed salmon. However, screening combined with proper Area Management and fallowing can gradually reduce the prevalence of these pathogens in an area. Over time, we expect to see fewer disease outbreaks due to these pathogens in our fish farms, leading to a more balanced situation where pathogens do exist in the wild.