Fish health checks

Why do I need a fish health check?

One of the biggest risks when stocking fish is transferring harmful diseases. Some diseases can cause significant mortalities whilst others can lead to more long term problems, such as causing a drop in the fishery. Once introduced, many parasites are difficult or impossible to remove. These include some of the Category 2 and novel diseases.

Category 2 and novel parasites and diseases are those which have:

a significant disease risk
an unknown pathogenicity
or an unknown distribution

Many are not native to England and Wales. Getting your fish health checked will prevent the introduction of fish infected with these diseases. Their movement is controlled by the Environment Agency through Section 30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act. This states that fish movements to open waters must be supported by a health check.

When do I require a health check?

All introductions of fish to open waters (where water can flow from one body of water to another, or is in the floodplain) must be supported by a valid health check. These are known as ‘Mandatory waters’.

Health checks are not compulsory where the risk of fish escape is minimal, such as movements into enclosed waters. However, they may sometimes be needed for fully enclosed waters where there are special ecological concerns.

Even if a health check isn’t required, getting one done is always good practice and will reduce the risk of introducing a disease. This is advised by the Environment Agency (refer to the Stocking your fishery fact sheet).

Who can carry out health checks for me?

Health checks can only be done by approved Independent Fish Health Consultants Independent Fish Health Consultants. Please contact a consultant well in advance of your movement as demand can get very high at certain times.

How many fish do I need to get checked and of what size?

Detailed information on the number of fish and size ranges needed for a health check can be found in the Fish size rules for Section 30 Health Checks document.

How do I submit fish for a health check?

You can deliver fish to the consultant in person or by courier. Some fish health consultants can also examine fish at your fishery.

If your fish need to be transported, the transporter will have to comply with the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 2006. More information relating to this can be found in the Transporting fish section.

More information

For more information on how to protect your fishery please refer to the Fish health and fisheries management fact sheet series. For further information on health checks or fish disease please email The Environment Agency or telephone 01480 483802.