Shipping and the Spread of Infectious Salmon Anemia in Scottish Aquaculture

摘要

Long-distance transport of pathogens plays a critical role in the emergence of novel diseases. Shipping is amajor contributor to such transport, and the role of ships in spreading disease has been recognized for centu-ries. However, statistical confirmation of pathogen spread by shipping is usually impractical. We present evi-dence of invasive spread of infectious salmon anemia in the salmon farms of Scotland and demonstrate a linkbetween vessel visits and farm contamination. The link is associated with vessels moving fish between sitesand transporting harvest, but not with vessels delivering food or involved in other work