Whaleworm, Anisakis simplex, in thefillets of saithe, Pollachius virens, from Faroese waters

Abstract

Some years ago the Faroese fish industry became avare of the problems wifh larvae of the nematode Anisakis simplex in fillets from saithe, Pollachius virens. In 1991-1994 samples were taken to examine the fillets of saithe from Faroese waters. The mean prevalence of infection decreased from 97 % in 1991 to 67 % in 1994. The abundance for the different year-classes was 0-27
third stage larvae. Left fillets of the saithe contained more larvae (62 %) than right fillets (38 %). The difference is statistically significant for the ventral parts of the fillets. Adult saithe has apparently not been found in the stomach of marine mammals in Faroese waters, but it seems likely that the minke whale is one final host to Anisakis simplex from saithe in this areá.