Peru declares itself free of four rainbow trout diseases

Peru has received approval from the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) to self-declare as a country free of four diseases affecting rainbow trout, including the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, and salmonid alphavirus. This declaration, managed by the National Authority for Health and Safety in Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sanipes) and the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa), is a commercial tool that facilitates international trade by showing that Peru's trout products meet strict sanitary standards. The process for this self-declaration, initiated in the last quarter of 2024, involves demonstrating the absence of infectious diseases in the country for at least two years, a specific legal health framework, diagnostic capacity, prevention and biosecurity measures, and a robust notification and early response system. In 2024, trout exports contributed $32,826,670 to the Peruvian economy and the sector provided direct and indirect employment for around 17,193 and 40,845 people, respectively.

The Ministry of Production (Produce), through the National Authority for Health and Safety in Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sanipes), received approval from the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) on Peru's self-declaration as a country free of four diseases that affect the rainbow trout species (Oncorhynchus mykiss), after providing evidence of compliance with the guidelines contained in the corresponding chapters of the WHO Aquatic Animal Health Code. In this way, Peru declared itself free of the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (HSV), the epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHN), the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHN) and the salmonid alphavirus (SAV). The Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Jesús Barrientos, highlighted the research work that is carried out for the protection of our species and quality products for export. “This self-declaration makes it easier for aquaculture farmers to negotiate their products with other countries that are ...