Mexico Declares Itself Free of Trout Viral Infections

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), through the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA), has officially declared the country free of infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in farmed trout. This benefits local producers by improving their ability to access more competitive markets, both domestically and internationally.

SENASICA’s technical staff confirmed the absence of the pathogens responsible for IHN and VHS through samples taken from production units and analyzed in official laboratories. After two years of targeted surveillance, Mexico has achieved self-declaration as free from these diseases. 

This declaration enhances the health status of the national trout production sector, which is valued at over MX$532 million (US$26.09 million). The agreements stipulate ongoing sanitary surveillance, prevention, diagnostics, and control measures on the movement and commercialization of farmed trout and its products. These measures are designed to ensure the country remains free of IHN and VHS, in compliance with the General Law of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture and other applicable legal provisions.