Argentina will launch new destinations in South America to ship embryonated rainbow trout eggs, a step that strengthens the country's position as a supplier of aquaculture genetics. The development, which covers four markets in the region, represents a milestone for the salmonid chain and for the consolidation of genetic material of Oncorhynchus mykiss with local seal.
Shipments will be directed to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, member countries of the Andean Community of Nations. Authorization is subject to compliance with CAN Resolution 2530, which details biosecurity and health control protocols. This move promises benefits for Patagonian breeders and encourages the expansion of international trade in salmonids within a common regulatory framework.
Regulatory framework and destination countries
The four authorized markets are part of the Andean Community, which established a specific framework of requirements for the entry of Argentine eggs. From now on, each shipment must comply with the conditions established by Resolution 2530, with an emphasis on the prevention of high-impact diseases for aquaculture and the protection of the environment. salmonid health in transit.
The achievement is the result of coordinated efforts between the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the private sector. As part of the process, technical documentation was exchanged with the CAN (National Agricultural Council), and an audit of egg-producing establishments was received in June, a key verification that strengthened the regulatory confidence from the purchasing countries.
Health requirements for shipments
Although Argentina has a zone recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health as free of notifiable diseases affecting salmonids, Andean regulations impose prior controls on each export. These checks aim to minimize risks and sustain trade in high-quality reproductive material.
Among the certifications required by the resolution, it is required to prove that the establishment of origin is located in a free zone of the following pathogens:
- Epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV)
- Viral hemorrhagic sepsis virus (VHSV)
- Renibacterium salmoninarum (BKD)
- Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV)
- Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV)
- Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV)
Additionally, there must not have been any unexplained mortality or clinical signs of unknown etiology recorded in the last six months, including conditions associated with Flavobacterium psychrophilum. PCR testing must also be performed within 60 days prior to dispatch and inspection by authorized veterinarians, measures that strengthen the official epidemiological surveillance.
Free zone and traceability in the Limay basin
Argentina's health status is based on the area self-declared to the OMSA, which includes the upper and middle basin of the Limay River up to the Piedra del Águila reservoir dam, in Neuquén and Río Negro. This water corridor has established itself as a reference area for salmonid farming with high biosecurity standards and a continuous monitoring.
The condition of this area makes it possible to dispense with antimicrobials and vaccines in the production process, a feature that increases the attractiveness of Argentine genetic material to discerning buyers. Thus, embryonated rainbow trout eggs are positioned as a consistent offering for projects that prioritize health quality and traceability.
Productive and logistical impact for Patagonia
The opening of Andean destinations represents a direct incentive for producers in the south of the country, reducing transportation times and costs thanks to the geographical proximity. At the same time, it favors collaboration with cultivation centers in neighboring countries, which could translate into greater scale and efficiency in regional exchange.
The strengthening of the biosecurity framework, along with clear and verifiable requirements, focuses on risk management as a common denominator. This combination of controls, health status, and public-private coordination creates an enabling environment for Patagonian O. mykiss genetics to gain traction and contribute to a regional supply of most competitive salmonids.
With this step, Argentina adds markets for embryonated rainbow trout eggs under a demanding regulatory umbrella, supported by a certified free zone, pre-shipment controls, and international audits. The initiative opens up opportunities for Patagonia and consolidates the country as a reliable supplier of aquaculture genetic material in South America.