Scottish Executive plans to curb salmon infections

The Scottish Executive has published a series of guidelines aimed at preventing fatal outbreaks of the fish disease, infectious salmon anaemia.

Two years ago 11 Scottish salmon farms were infected by the virus.

The joint Government and industry working group report makes 81 recommendations to curb the disease and reduce the risk to fish from other infections. It also outlines proposals on industry practices relating to fish health and identifies possible areas of research.

The Scottish Executive will consider its findings, and ministers are expected to formally respond to its recommendations in the spring.

Scotland's deputy minister for rural affairs, John Home Robertson, said: "I am well aware of the concerns of the industry on these and related issues. I will be considering the contents of the report as a matter of urgency and will issue a formal response within three months."