WELFARE CONSEQUENCES OF THE MOST PREVALENT PREVENTIVE METHODS AND TREATMENT METHODS AGAINST SALMON LICE IN NORWAY

Abstract

Norway is the leading country in farming of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), with 52% of all production worldwide. [1] The salmon lice are affecting the farmed Atlantic salmon by damaging them physically, and generally decreasing their welfare in the sea pens. Mechanical, chemical and thermal treatments are the main methods used for delousing of farmed salmon in Norway, and can be combined with the use of preventive methods. Treatment methods have different levels of efficacy against the salmon lice, and effect on the farmed salmons health and welfare. Since the methods used for treatment differ in how they are removing the salmon lice from the farmed salmon, various outcomes of physical damage and welfare related issues will be observed.