FAQ: Salmosan
Safety
What safety precautions must I take?
Read the operator precautions and environmental warnings provided with Salmosan. The prescribing veterinary surgeon must ensure that farm staff have received adequate instruction in the safe use of Salmosan.
Wear suitable protective clothing:
The initial dilution of the water-soluble bags into a small volume of distilled water must be carried out on land. Ensure that the container is securely closed whilst shaking solution to mix.
Rinse application equipment and containers after use.
Wash all protective clothing thoroughly after use.
Remove heavily contaminated clothing immediately, wash or destroy.
Do not eat, drink or smoke without first withdrawing from the work area, removing protective clothing and washing hands, face and exposed skin.
Avoid all contact by mouth, with the skin or eyes.
Accidental splashes on exposed skin or eyes should be washed off immediately with plenty of water.
Wash hands, face and exposed skin after leaving the work area.
Keep away from food, drink and animal feed stuffs.
For animal treatment only
For external use only
We strongly recommend that any operators involved in the preparation of Salmosan solutions (dissolving and dosing the product) have a blood test to establish baseline cholinesterase levels before first use of the product. A reduction of 20% or more in cholinesterase levels indicates serious poisoning.
If you have breathing problems or if you have felt persistently unwell after using Salmosan, you should seek medical advice immediately.
In cases of heavy contamination or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately. Tell the doctor you have been using SALMOSAN, which contains azamethiphos, an organophosphorus compound.
What is the safety margin for fish?
Lethal dose of Salmosan (50% azamethiphos) for salmon is 5 times greater than therapeutic dose ie LD is 1.0 mg/litre.
Characteristic signs of overdose?
Careful observation of fish must be maintained during treatment. If signs of distress are noted, eg fish losing equilibrium and falling on their sides then remove the tarpaulin as soon as possible and ensure vigorous oxygenation of the water.
What is the withdrawal period?
24 hours
How long is the shelf life?
Typically 36 months when stored below 25 C but check pack for details.
How do I dispose of unused product?
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements and following Safety Data Sheet guidelines.
Salmosan is only available in 20g or 100g sachets. I've calculated a per cage use of 130g?
Salmosan is available in 20 or 100g quantities contained within a heat sealed PVA water-soluble bag. The packaging limits the exposure of the operator to the active ingredient during the initial mixing. Calculate the volume of water enclosed by the tarpaulin and round up to the nearest 20g
How should I store dry product?
Store in a dry place, below 25 C in the original unopened packaging. Store away from food, drink and animal feed stuffs. Keep out of reach of children.
Can I use equipment in place for other bath treatment products?
There is no problem using cage tarpaulins, pumps and pipework that have been used in conjunction with other sea lice medicines. All equipment should be thoroughly rinsed before use.
Efficacy
Is Salmosan effective against all types and stages of lice?
Salmosan should only be applied to salmon suffering from infestation with mature (pre-adult to adult) sea-lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis or Caligus species) before the stage at which serious skin damage is evident. The exact timing of a treatment and setting up of a treatment programme is a matter of expertise and judgement; operators must seek the advice of the prescribing veterinary surgeon.
How quickly will I see an effect?
Lice will start to detach from fish during the treatment period. Post-treatment lice counts should be carried out to ascertain the full effect of treatments and the latter should be fully visible within 1 to 3 days following an effective treatment.
What treatment strategy should I use?
Salmosan does not affect juvenile attached sea-lice, which will be present with the pre-adult and adult stages. These juvenile stages will develop into pre-adults and adults in 10 to 20 days depending on water temperature, when a population count should show whether a second treatment is necessary. A third treatment may be necessary after another 14 days, after which fish should be lice free for considerable periods, if all fish on the site have been simultaneously treated.
What about repeat treatments
Normal cholinesterase levels should return quite quickly after a treatment at the recommended concentration but if repeat treatments are required for any reason then it would be advisable to wait for a period of 7 days before repeating any treatment.
What about strategic treatments along with other licensed sea lice medicines?
Full assessment of the effect of treating with Salmosan either immediately before or after other sea lice medicines is in the process of being evaluated.
Best practice to avoid resistance?
Choice of sea lice medicine should take into account the general health of the fish; the stages of lice present and the efficacy of previous treatments. It is good practice to carry out regular lice counts. Choice of sea lice medicine should be related to treatment efficacy and sea lice sensitivity.
What is the effect of treating in heavily fouled nets?
Fouled nets can significantly reduce flow of well-oxygenated water reaching the fish during normal rearing conditions. Crowding fish for treatment in fouled nets will also reduce the availability of well-oxygenated water to the fish, which will have a negative impact on fish welfare. There is no indication that the presence of fouling organisms will reduce the quantity of available active ingredient in Salmosan to fish during the treatment period.
Treatments in summer vs winter
At water temperatures above 10o C it is advisable to limit duration of treatment to 30 minutes.
How can I improve the dissolving and mixing of Salmosan?
On dry land, not more than 48 hours prior to treatment, operators wearing suitable equipment and protective clothing, (see above), should place the required number of water soluble bags of Salmosan necessary for the dosage of an individual cage into a labelled screw-topped polyethylene container, together with a quantity of distilled water (1 litre or more of distilled water for every 200g of Salmosan). Screw the lid tightly onto the container and gently shake this initial dilution for up to 5 minutes.
The diluted Salmosan solution should be further diluted into approximately 200 litres of seawater and gently stirred for 5 minutes. The polyethylene container, in which the first dilution was prepared, should be rinsed in the sea water/Salmosan solution and the rinsing from this should be added into the 200 litre solution. This diluted Salmosan/seawater mixture should then be immediately and carefully added to the cage by pouring or pumping the mixture into the cage at the oxygen diffuser points, to aid dispersion.
How long will a concentrated solution of Salmosan remain effective?
A concentrated freshwater suspension of Salmosan must be used within 48 hours.
Must it be used in a full tarpaulin?
Best results will always be obtained by carrying out treatment within a known fixed volume of water, such as within a full tarpaulin. As with any cage treatment, make certain that fish are closely observed throughout treatment duration and suitable water quality is maintained. Oxygenation will be required throughout treatment and must never be allowed to fall below 7 mg/litre. Oxygen must be introduced into the cage before the cage is enclosed by the tarpaulin.
How do I use it in a wellboat?
Make careful calculation of volume of water within the vessel for treatment, including pumps and pipework used to circulate the water during treatment, if appropriate. Ensure system in place that will effectively distribute the medicine throughout the water volume as quickly as possible. Oxygenation will be required throughout treatment and must never be allowed to fall below 7 mg/litre. Ensure that the vessel has the capacity to flush the well quickly in the event a treatment has to be terminated suddenly.
Environment
Salmosan contains an organophosphate. Are these substances banned?
Salmosan has been licensed as a fish medicine and SEPA have consented its discharge since the mid-1990's. Residues in salmon tissue are known to degrade quickly and the product has a very short 'withdrawal period'.
Environmental impact is considered to be very low.
Exposure of the operator to Salmosan has been significantly reduced through the development of the water-soluble packaging. Suitable protective clothing is required during the handling and dosing of the product.
What type of environmental monitoring is required?
There is no additional environmental monitoring required by SEPA
Fish Vet Group November, 2008
SafetyWhat safety precautions must I take?
Read the operator precautions and environmental warnings provided with Salmosan. The prescribing veterinary surgeon must ensure that farm staff have received adequate instruction in the safe use of Salmosan.
Wear suitable protective clothing:
- Waterproof coveralls,
- Protective gloves (heavy duty gauntlet style nitrile at least 300mm in length and 0,5mm thick are recommended)
- Face protection (face shield) when handling the concentrate (i.e. mixing or transferring product from one container to another) and when applying the diluted chemical to the pen.
The initial dilution of the water-soluble bags into a small volume of distilled water must be carried out on land. Ensure that the container is securely closed whilst shaking solution to mix.
Rinse application equipment and containers after use.
Wash all protective clothing thoroughly after use.
Remove heavily contaminated clothing immediately, wash or destroy.
Do not eat, drink or smoke without first withdrawing from the work area, removing protective clothing and washing hands, face and exposed skin.
Avoid all contact by mouth, with the skin or eyes.
Accidental splashes on exposed skin or eyes should be washed off immediately with plenty of water.
Wash hands, face and exposed skin after leaving the work area.
Keep away from food, drink and animal feed stuffs.
For animal treatment only
For external use only
We strongly recommend that any operators involved in the preparation of Salmosan solutions (dissolving and dosing the product) have a blood test to establish baseline cholinesterase levels before first use of the product. A reduction of 20% or more in cholinesterase levels indicates serious poisoning.
If you have breathing problems or if you have felt persistently unwell after using Salmosan, you should seek medical advice immediately.
In cases of heavy contamination or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately. Tell the doctor you have been using SALMOSAN, which contains azamethiphos, an organophosphorus compound.
What is the safety margin for fish?
Lethal dose of Salmosan (50% azamethiphos) for salmon is 5 times greater than therapeutic dose ie LD is 1.0 mg/litre.
Characteristic signs of overdose?
Careful observation of fish must be maintained during treatment. If signs of distress are noted, eg fish losing equilibrium and falling on their sides then remove the tarpaulin as soon as possible and ensure vigorous oxygenation of the water.
What is the withdrawal period?
24 hours
How long is the shelf life?
Typically 36 months when stored below 25 C but check pack for details.
How do I dispose of unused product?
Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with national requirements and following Safety Data Sheet guidelines.
Salmosan is only available in 20g or 100g sachets. I've calculated a per cage use of 130g?
Salmosan is available in 20 or 100g quantities contained within a heat sealed PVA water-soluble bag. The packaging limits the exposure of the operator to the active ingredient during the initial mixing. Calculate the volume of water enclosed by the tarpaulin and round up to the nearest 20g
How should I store dry product?
Store in a dry place, below 25 C in the original unopened packaging. Store away from food, drink and animal feed stuffs. Keep out of reach of children.
Can I use equipment in place for other bath treatment products?
There is no problem using cage tarpaulins, pumps and pipework that have been used in conjunction with other sea lice medicines. All equipment should be thoroughly rinsed before use.
EfficacyIs Salmosan effective against all types and stages of lice?
Salmosan should only be applied to salmon suffering from infestation with mature (pre-adult to adult) sea-lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis or Caligus species) before the stage at which serious skin damage is evident. The exact timing of a treatment and setting up of a treatment programme is a matter of expertise and judgement; operators must seek the advice of the prescribing veterinary surgeon.
How quickly will I see an effect?
Lice will start to detach from fish during the treatment period. Post-treatment lice counts should be carried out to ascertain the full effect of treatments and the latter should be fully visible within 1 to 3 days following an effective treatment.
What treatment strategy should I use?
Salmosan does not affect juvenile attached sea-lice, which will be present with the pre-adult and adult stages. These juvenile stages will develop into pre-adults and adults in 10 to 20 days depending on water temperature, when a population count should show whether a second treatment is necessary. A third treatment may be necessary after another 14 days, after which fish should be lice free for considerable periods, if all fish on the site have been simultaneously treated.
What about repeat treatments
Normal cholinesterase levels should return quite quickly after a treatment at the recommended concentration but if repeat treatments are required for any reason then it would be advisable to wait for a period of 7 days before repeating any treatment.
What about strategic treatments along with other licensed sea lice medicines?
Full assessment of the effect of treating with Salmosan either immediately before or after other sea lice medicines is in the process of being evaluated.
Best practice to avoid resistance?
Choice of sea lice medicine should take into account the general health of the fish; the stages of lice present and the efficacy of previous treatments. It is good practice to carry out regular lice counts. Choice of sea lice medicine should be related to treatment efficacy and sea lice sensitivity.
What is the effect of treating in heavily fouled nets?
Fouled nets can significantly reduce flow of well-oxygenated water reaching the fish during normal rearing conditions. Crowding fish for treatment in fouled nets will also reduce the availability of well-oxygenated water to the fish, which will have a negative impact on fish welfare. There is no indication that the presence of fouling organisms will reduce the quantity of available active ingredient in Salmosan to fish during the treatment period.
Treatments in summer vs winter
At water temperatures above 10o C it is advisable to limit duration of treatment to 30 minutes.
How can I improve the dissolving and mixing of Salmosan?
On dry land, not more than 48 hours prior to treatment, operators wearing suitable equipment and protective clothing, (see above), should place the required number of water soluble bags of Salmosan necessary for the dosage of an individual cage into a labelled screw-topped polyethylene container, together with a quantity of distilled water (1 litre or more of distilled water for every 200g of Salmosan). Screw the lid tightly onto the container and gently shake this initial dilution for up to 5 minutes.
The diluted Salmosan solution should be further diluted into approximately 200 litres of seawater and gently stirred for 5 minutes. The polyethylene container, in which the first dilution was prepared, should be rinsed in the sea water/Salmosan solution and the rinsing from this should be added into the 200 litre solution. This diluted Salmosan/seawater mixture should then be immediately and carefully added to the cage by pouring or pumping the mixture into the cage at the oxygen diffuser points, to aid dispersion.
How long will a concentrated solution of Salmosan remain effective?
A concentrated freshwater suspension of Salmosan must be used within 48 hours.
Must it be used in a full tarpaulin?
Best results will always be obtained by carrying out treatment within a known fixed volume of water, such as within a full tarpaulin. As with any cage treatment, make certain that fish are closely observed throughout treatment duration and suitable water quality is maintained. Oxygenation will be required throughout treatment and must never be allowed to fall below 7 mg/litre. Oxygen must be introduced into the cage before the cage is enclosed by the tarpaulin.
How do I use it in a wellboat?
Make careful calculation of volume of water within the vessel for treatment, including pumps and pipework used to circulate the water during treatment, if appropriate. Ensure system in place that will effectively distribute the medicine throughout the water volume as quickly as possible. Oxygenation will be required throughout treatment and must never be allowed to fall below 7 mg/litre. Ensure that the vessel has the capacity to flush the well quickly in the event a treatment has to be terminated suddenly.
EnvironmentSalmosan contains an organophosphate. Are these substances banned?
Salmosan has been licensed as a fish medicine and SEPA have consented its discharge since the mid-1990's. Residues in salmon tissue are known to degrade quickly and the product has a very short 'withdrawal period'.
Environmental impact is considered to be very low.
Exposure of the operator to Salmosan has been significantly reduced through the development of the water-soluble packaging. Suitable protective clothing is required during the handling and dosing of the product.
What type of environmental monitoring is required?
There is no additional environmental monitoring required by SEPA
Fish Vet Group November, 2008
