Important information: The fish disease Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) was very recently detected in Denmark, Finland and elsewhere. On 2 June 2021, Denmark’s IHN-free status was temporarily suspended. The disease has not been detected in the Faroe Islands. The greatest risk of IHN transmission to the Faroe Islands is posed by gear, which can easily be transported between countries through, but not limited to, fishing rods, rubber boots, etc. We, therefore, urge anyone intending to fish in the Faroe Islands to wash and disinfect their fishing rods and any other gear or equipment before travelling to the Faroe Islands. 

Anglers are no longer required to have a veterinary certificate for the cleaning and disinfection of fishing equipment when travelling to the Faroe Islands.

Before arriving at the Faroe Islands, all fishing equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and properly treated to kill fish pathogens.

This can be done by using one of the following methods:

• Rinse in tapwater and keep at a minimum temperature of 20°C for at least two days after drying
• Rinse in tapwater and then dry and heat for at least one hour at a temperature above 60°C
• Rinse in tap water, then immerse in a disinfecting solution for at least ten minutes. Des infecting agents can be, for example, Virkon S or Halamid

Read the official letter from the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority here.

When fishing in the Faroe Islands, precautions should be taken against spreading diseases from saltwater to freshwater and between freshwater catches.

For further information, contact the Faroese Food and Veterinary Authority:
Smyrilsvegur 7, 2
FO-100 Tórshavn
Phone: +298 556400
e-mail: hfs@hfs.fo