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[chris gadsden]

DFO covers up disease in wild salmon - day one of explosive testimony at the Cohen Inquiry into ISA virus

Dec 15, 2011 Vancouver Immediate Release Four salmon disease experts were on the stand today at the Cohen Inquiry into the decline of the Fraser sockeye. Dr. Are Nylund of the University of Bergen is an expert in salmon viruses, including the ISA virus. Dr. Fred Kibenge runs one of only two World Organization for Animal Health labs for ISA virus. Dr. Kristina Miller is the head of the Genomics Lab at DFO’s Pacific Biological Station. Nelle Gagne is a researcher at the DFO National Reference Lab in Moncton a non-accredited lab.

On December 2, 2011, the Minister of Fisheries announced, “there has never been a confirmed case of ISA in British Columbia salmon” http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/statement-declarations/2011/20111202-eng.htm However, on the stand today, Justice Cohen heard the DFO “Reference lab” is the only one that can’t seem to find ISA virus. The difference was in the type of software and assays used by Moncton. ISA virus is a type of fish flu, appearing worldwide wherever there are salmon farms, it has a tendency to mutating into highly virulent strains in the crowded.

But it got worse. Testing farm salmon in Clayoquot Sound for a jaundice yellow condition killing the farm fish for the past 7 years revealed both ISA virus and a new Norwegian virus that causes Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) in salmon. Dr. Miller also reported higher levels of both ISA virus and HSMI in Fraser sockeye smolts in 2007, than 2008. The 2007, sockeye smolts were the ones that never came home in 2009. This raises the question how much these diseases contributed to the sockeye crash.

The scientists on the stand were unsure how long ISA virus may have been in BC. Dr. Miller revealed evidence it could have been here since the late 1980s, shortly after the first farm Atlantic salmon came to BC in 1985. What was most disturbing is that DFO never told the public and did not reveal the ISAv and HSMI findings to the Inquiry. Justice Cohen instructed DFO over a year ago to produce all evidence on the health of the Fraser sockeye. One hundred percent of the highly endangered Cultus Lake sockeye of the Fraser River tested positive for ISAv in 2002, 2003 and DFO never revealed this to the Inquiry and maintains the position ISA virus is not here.

This is a dangerous and shameful breach of public trust, DFO lost all credibility, they are like addicts when it comes to salmon farms, they will do and say anything. They are going to destroy wild salmon as they did wild cod of the North Atlantic, no one has the right to be careless with viruses.

At the hearings in August, the BC Salmon Farmers suggested they would develop a protocol with Miller to allow her to test Atlantic salmon for viruses. However, when asked today Miller said she refused an arrangement where the salmon farmers would have become managing partners in her research on Fraser sockeye while delaying access to Atlantic salmon until some future, undefined date.

While the public has been told all the wild salmon that tested positive for ISA virus were healthy, a researcher in Dr. Miller’s lab, Brad Davis, discovered that in fact ISA virus positive salmon exhibit symptoms of the flu – suggesting harm.

The Commission also heard evidence that when the provincial vet provided Dr. Miller with farm salmon samples that were so degraded and spoiled they were useless.

Tomorrow Dr. Simon Jones of DFO takes the stand because he co-authored the paper that found ISAv in 100% of the Fraser sockeye, a paper DFO never provided to the Inquiry.

[alwaysfishn]

No alwaysfishin, there was nothing new announced today.  A virus that has probably been here in the Pacific for a long time (see some of Nylunds comments) was found by researchers because an activist thought it's disclosure might help her agenda to rid BC of salmon farms.
But here's the issue for said activist -  Pacific salmon are pretty much immune to it and it apparently it does not harm farmed Atlantics.  Kind of hard to find a problem, so far.

"While the public has been told all the wild salmon that tested positive for ISA virus were healthy, a researcher in Dr. Miller’s lab, Brad Davis, discovered that in fact ISA virus positive salmon exhibit symptoms of the flu – suggesting harm."

Are you starting to see the problem, Dave?.....   

[shuswapsteve]

"While the public has been told all the wild salmon that tested positive for ISA virus were healthy, a researcher in Dr. Miller’s lab, Brad Davis, discovered that in fact ISA virus positive salmon exhibit symptoms of the flu – suggesting harm."

Are you starting to see the problem, Dave?.....   

A positive PCR test for ISAV does not necessary mean that the host has ISA.  Further confirmation is required which includes isolating and culturing the virus and then comparing those viral genes with a known ISA fingerprint.  Symptoms alone do not prove disease.  In addition, just because a host gets a virus it does not necessarily mean that it will cause disease, nor does it mean it will cause death.  Scientists are not even certain that this is even causing disease.  I am seeing a problem.....It is callled "jumping to conclusions".

[absolon]

Just to make sure that nothing important is being filtered out by any commentators, it's probably not a bad idea to cut out all the middle men and just go straight to the transcript of the testimony for the day. They will be posted here fairly shortly:

http://www.cohencommission.ca/en/Schedule/

Click on the date of interest on the calender and once they are posted, both the transcript and all related exhibits will be available for reading.

[absolon]

Just a suggestion Chris.

It would be helpful if you included some attribution for the articles that you post. It's a common practice to indicate the thoughts aren't your own and and a courtesy to give the reader some idea of who actually is responsible for them.

[chris gadsden]

Just a suggestion Chris.

It would be helpful if you included some attribution for the articles that you post. It's a common practice to indicate the thoughts aren't your own and and a courtesy to give the reader some idea of who actually is responsible for them.

Thanks for the suggestion, I guess it would be nice if people on forums use their full and proper names too, like I do.
Here is another video I shot yesterday.

http://youtu.be/E75-wgA7HIM

[troutbreath]

"I guess it would be nice if people on forums use their full and proper names too, like I do. "


Master stroke Chris. No wonder your getting all the Steelies.

[alwaysfishn]

Just a suggestion Chris.

It would be helpful if you included some attribution for the articles that you post. It's a common practice to indicate the thoughts aren't your own and and a courtesy to give the reader some idea of who actually is responsible for them.

 If anyone is qualified to give suggestions on how to post, it's Chris!   

 Chris - 8,930 posts     Absolon - 24 posts.  

[chris gadsden]

http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/1222-kristi-miller-cohen-commission-salmon-virus

[alwaysfishn]

As Miller explained, there’s no real doubt that ISA virus (ISAv) is here; but until the virus is actually demonstrated to be killing salmon, it’s fair not to call it a "disease".

And that’s what these folks are hanging their hat on - by their definition ISA alone implies ISA disease. They are very careful not to call it ISAv (virus) – just ISA without the “v”, implying that there is not evidence of ISA disease here in BC - which appears, for the time being, to be technically correct, though patently and deliberately deceitful.


....reminds me of something that was posted recently:   "A positive PCR test for ISAV does not necessary mean that the host has ISA.  Further confirmation is required which includes isolating and culturing the virus and then comparing those viral genes with a known ISA fingerprint.  Symptoms alone do not prove disease.  In addition, just because a host gets a virus it does not necessarily mean that it will cause disease, nor does it mean it will cause death.  Scientists are not even certain that this is even causing disease."
  
P.S. Just so Absolon doesn't get on my case, shuswapsteve gets credit for that last quote.

[Bassonator]

If anyone is qualified to give suggestions on how to post, it's Chris!   

 Chris - 8,930 posts     Absolon - 24 posts.  

Wow lads thanks for the brown nosing 101 lesson.
Wish I had the time to copy and paste all my arguments, wait they wouldnt be my arguements then would they?

[absolon]

As Miller explained, there’s no real doubt that ISA virus (ISAv) is here; but until the virus is actually demonstrated to be killing salmon, it’s fair not to call it a "disease".

And that’s what these folks are hanging their hat on - by their definition ISA alone implies ISA disease. They are very careful not to call it ISAv (virus) – just ISA without the “v”, implying that there is not evidence of ISA disease here in BC - which appears, for the time being, to be technically correct, though patently and deliberately deceitful.


....reminds me of something that was posted recently:   "A positive PCR test for ISAV does not necessary mean that the host has ISA.  Further confirmation is required which includes isolating and culturing the virus and then comparing those viral genes with a known ISA fingerprint.  Symptoms alone do not prove disease.  In addition, just because a host gets a virus it does not necessarily mean that it will cause disease, nor does it mean it will cause death.  Scientists are not even certain that this is even causing disease."
  
P.S. Just so Absolon doesn't get on my case, shuswapsteve gets credit for that last quote.

You might also do us the courtesy of providing attribution for comments you quote. I'm not sure who made those comments, but it is clear they don't understand the difference between a virus and a disease, or at the very least, are trying to obfuscate that difference.

[chris gadsden]

Please find enclosed a press update including:

 

"ISA virus confirmed in AquaBounty’s genetically-engineered salmon: Evidence unveiled at federal Cohen Inquiry into Fraser River sockeye salmon" (Living Oceans Society, 16th December): http://www.livingoceans.org/media/releases/salmon-farming/isa-virus-confirmed-aquabounty%E2%80%99s-genetically-engin

 

"Kristi Miller Steals Show Again as Salmon Inquiry Rocked by New Virus Bombshells" (The Common Sense Canadian, 16th December): http://thecanadian.org/k2/item/1222-kristi-miller-cohen-commission-salmon-virus

 

"The Greatest Gift" (Salmon Are Sacred, 16th December): http://www.salmonaresacred.org/blog/greatest-gift

 

"Canada Holds Hearings on Suspected Virus in Salmon" (The New York Times, 16th December): http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/science/canada-begins-hearings-on-infectious-salmon-anemia-virus.html

 

"DFO covers up disease in wild salmon - day one of explosive testimony at the Cohen Inquiry into ISA virus" (Alexandra Morton, 16th December): http://alexandramorton.typepad.com/alexandra_morton/2011/12/dfo-covers-up-disease-in-wild-salmon-day-one-of-explosive-testimony-at-the-cohen-inquiry-into-isa-vi.html

 

"Salmon 'smoking gun' debated" (The Times Colonist, 16th December): http://www.timescolonist.com/technology/Salmon+smoking+debated/5870552/story.html

 

"ISA making salmon disappear" (The French Tribune, 16th December): http://www.frenchtribune.com/teneur/118575-isa-making-salmon-disappear

 

"B.C. salmon tested positive for potentially deadly virus, inquiry told" (The Vancouver Sun, 16th December): http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/salmon+tested+positive+potentially+deadly+virus+inquiry+told/5870695/story.html

 

"BC salmon may have exhibited virus for decades" (FIS, 16th December): http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=&day=16&id=48555&l=e&special=&ndb=1%20target=

 

"Salmon disease blocked by rules" (The Times Colonist, 16th December): http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/Salmon+disease+blocked+rules/5870590/story.html

 

"Salmon Inquiry: Alexandra Morton" (CBC News, 15th December): http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10150518988071253 

 

"Cohen Aquaculture Daily" (Watershed Watch, 15th December): http://www.watershed-watch.org/2011/12/cohen-aquaculture-daily-december-15-2011/

 

"Protesters rally to protect wild salmon" (Chilliwack Progress, 15th December): http://www.theprogress.com/news/135702028.html

 

"Wild salmon march on Chilliwack MP's office" (Chilliwack Times, 15th December): http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/news/Wild+salmon+march+Chilliwack+office/5868194/story.html

 

"Statement regarding availability of samples from BC salmon farms" (BCSFA, 15th December): http://www.salmonfarmers.org/media-releases

 

"Our finest hour" (Salmon Warriors, 15th December): http://salmonwarriors.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-finest-hour.html

 

"Salmon Are Sacred" (You Tube, 15th December): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KAwop6PUXc&feature=youtu.be

 

"Cohen Commission hears of virus in B.C. sockeye salmon" (The Vancouver Sun, 15th December): http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Cohen+Commission+hears+virus+sockeye+salmon/5868107/story.html

 

"Virus present in B.C. salmon for decades, inquiry told" (The Globe & Mail, 15th December): http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/virus-present-in-bc-salmon-for-decades-inquiry-told/article2272915/

 

"B.C. salmon had virus as far back as 1985: report" (CTV, 15th December): http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SciTech/20111215/salmon-virus-report-111215/

 

"New version of salmon virus may have started in B.C., expert says" (The Vancouver Observer, 15th December): http://www.vancouverobserver.com/politics/2011/12/15/new-version-salmon-virus-may-have-started-bc-expert-says

 

"B.C. salmon had virus as far back as 1985, but it may not be as deadly" (The Canadian Press/News 1130, 15th December): http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article/310702--b-c-salmon-had-virus-as-far-back-as-1985-but-it-may-not-be-as-deadly

 

"Salmon Virus Fears: Scientist claims early evidence of salmon virus, feared lab would be closed" (NPR, 15th December): http://kplu.org/post/scientist-claims-evidence-salmon-virus-early-1986-feared-lab-would-be-closed

 

"Congress must investigate GE salmon's human health impacts" (Indy Bay Media, 15th December): http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/12/15/18702807.php

 

"Well farmed salmon is key to sustainability: Farmed salmon is a Christmas food favourite but at what cost?" (The Daily Telegraph, 15th December): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/8958364/Well-farmed-salmon-is-key-to-sustainability.html

 

"First salmon farm earns BAP certification" (World Fishing & Aquaculture, 15th December): http://www.worldfishing.net/news101/first-salmon-farm-earns-bap-certification

 

"Sound science shows no virus" (The Westerly News, 15th December): http://www.canada.com/Sound+science+shows+virus/5863853/story.html

 

"Mainstream upgrades to improve water quality" (The Westerly News, 15th December): http://www.canada.com/Sound+science+shows+virus/5863853/story.html

 

 

Including from Damien Gillis reporting in today's Common Sense Canadian:

 

"Among the bombshell revelations that emerged from the first of three extra days for the Commission – added recently to address the discovery of ISA virus in wild BC salmon – were the confirmation that ISA virus (or something very similar) is undoubtedly here in BC, and has likely been for at least 25 years; and Miller’s own detection of a new deadly virus in both farmed and wild salmon..... Back to Clayoquot Sound and this new virus Miller discovered there. When she was invited to test Creative Salmon’s famred Chinook salmon, Miller came up with two shocking findings: 1. A full 25% of these fish tested positive for ISAv (so there you have it – farmed fish in BC with ISAv, contrary to the claims of the Province’s fish health audit office and industry that after thousands of test over the years, they’re just sure it isn’t in their fish!); 2. A second virus known as piscine rheovirus – the cause of a deadly disease called HSMI (Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation)."

 

From Alexandra Morton writing in her blog today:

 

"Testing farm salmon in Clayoquot Sound for a jaundice yellow condition killing the farm fish for the past 7 years revealed both ISA virus and a new Norwegian virus that causes Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) in salmon. Dr. Miller also reported higher levels of both ISA virus and HSMI in Fraser sockeye smolts in 2007, than 2008. The 2007, sockeye smolts were the ones that never came home in 2009. This raises the question how much these diseases contributed to the sockeye crash."

And from today's New York Times:

 

"The most combative exchanges occurred during testimony by Kristina Miller, the head of molecular genetics for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans laboratory at Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. While previous reports of the virus had surfaced from sources outside the Canadian government, only to have Canadian officials question them, Dr. Miller testified that she also had received positive results when she tested for the virus, known as I.S.A. She said that when she reported her work to a superior last month, she was asked why she had conducted it at all. “Nobody in the department talked to me about disease or I.S.A. after that,” Dr. Miller testified. At one point, she said she was frustrated at what she called “flippant dismissal of pathogens” that could be harmful."

 

 

Note that on 16th and 19th December there will be an ISA hearing at the Cohen Commission - details of witnesses online here

 

Follow the Cohen Commission on Facebook via:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=812895354&ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/263406340380314/

 

 

Read the leaked Canadian Government report detailing over 100 positive tests for ISA in farmed Atlantic and wild Pacific salmon – online via 'Fishyleaks'

 

For background on the global spread of ISA read "ISA: Diary of Disease Disaster" and "Fish Farmageddon: The Infectious Salmon Aquacalypse" – online via:  http://www.wildsalmonfirst.org/fish-farmageddon-infectious-salmon-aquacalypse

 

Read the official reports from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on the second case of ISA in coho salmon in the Fraser River - online here

 

Read the report from the OIE Reference Laboratory on the positive samples in Fraser River chinook and chum – online here

 

Read the first official report of the European strain of ISA in sockeye salmon in Rivers Inlet on the Central Coast - online here

 

Read the Norwegian laboratory report on the 6th and 7th positive tests for ISA in Fraser River coho and sockeye – online here

 

More details via "Chronology of a Cover-Up in Canada: ISA in British Columbia"

 

 

Best fishes,

 

Don

 

[Easywater]

A recent research paper on ISA: http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/infectious_salmon_anemia.pdf

ISA is the disease - "In farmed Atlantic salmon, the clinical signs may include lethargy, anemia, leukopenia, ascites, exophthalmia, darkened skin and increased mortality."
ISAv is the virus that transmits the disease.

[Bassonator]

Thanks for posting that. Very informative. Better than most of the diatribe being posted for the non scientificly inclined like myself.