The IHN virus is naturally carried by wild Pacific salmon and is low risk to them, but can be a high risk to Atlantic salmon.

For the first time since 2003, IHN (Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis) virus was detected in our salmon, forcing a quick response.

But is this virus a risk to wild salmon?

History and science suggests it is not. The IHN virus is naturally carried by wild salmon and has been present for hundreds of years in the Pacific Ocean. It is found naturally in fish from Alasks to California, and has only been observed to be a concern for the tiniest wild salmon in high-density situations, such as hatcheries. Under natural conditions, the virus appears to pose low risk to even tiny wild salmon. 

On the other hand, farmed Atlantic salmon are at high risk from the disease this virus can cause because they are not native to the Pacific Ocean and have not evolved a natural resistance to it like their Pacific cousins. 

Please read this fact sheet to learn about the history of the virus, as well as take a look at the science examining its risks to wild and farmed salmon.