Threat To Cod Fisheries: Pathogenic Bacterium Identified In Cod
Farmed cod have recently been hit by a serious disease caused by an unknown bacterium. The bacterium has now been identified, and called Francisella philomiragia noatunensis. The disease is called francisellosis and is listed in the national disease register and regulated under the terms of the Norwegian Food Act.
This new bacterium has caused significant loss in the cod farming industry in recent years. However, it may also pose a threat to farmed salmon since it occurs naturally in coastal waters and is liable to cause disease in a range of marine species. The bacterium is not harmful to warm-blooded animals.