Researchers at the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” will, for the first time in Latvia, carry out a study to assess the prevalence of fish diseases and the associated risks in local fish farms. The data obtained will support the development of new diagnostic methods and enable an in-depth analysis of the fish health situation in Latvia.

All fish farms are invited to participate by submitting fish samples to BIOR. Participation is free of charge. In the laboratory, farmed fish will be tested for diseases caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria.

The study results will be summarised and published in an aggregated report, without naming specific farms. In return, each farm that submits samples and provides an email address will receive an individual test report with the results of their samples. According to BIOR researchers, broader participation by fish farms will ensure more accurate results and help strengthen the sustainability of the Latvian aquaculture sector.

The study will run until the end of this year, and samples can be submitted to any BIOR sample reception point across Latvia: https://bior.lv/lv/pakalpojumi/paraugu-pienemsana/

This study is being conducted as part of the “Assessment of Commercial Diseases in Latvian Fish Farms” project, commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture. Its aim is to gather data on fish diseases and associated risks in Latvian farms that are not covered by the National Surveillance Plan for Animal Infectious Diseases.