OUTBREAK OF SPRING VIRAEMIA OF CARP IN WHITMORE

DEFRA Press Release

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued an Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Cudmore Fishery, Whitmore, Staffordshire, following an outbreak of a contagious viral disease in common carp.

The outbreak of Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC) has no implications for human health, but SVC is a serious viral disease affecting common and ornamental carp as well as a variety of other species including tench, roach, rudd, goldfish, pike and wels catfish.

The Order was issued after tests at the CEFAS Weymouth laboratory confirmed the presence of SVC, a notifiable disease under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937. Fish Health inspectors are investigating the source of the outbreak and tracing any fish that may have been in contact with fish at the infected site. Before the Order can be lifted, the site must test negative for SVC for three consecutive years. Alternatively, the Order could be lifted sooner if the infected site underwent an approved clearance and disinfection programme.

The clinical signs of SVC can include darkening of the skin, swollen eyes, abdominal swelling, pale gills, trailing faecal casts and protrusion of the anus. Infected fish may be lethargic and show areas of bleeding in the gills and skin.

Anyone noting deaths of carp or any other species susceptible to SVC, should immediately contact the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth Laboratory.

Anyone who imports, keeps or retails carp or other susceptible fish should take strict precautions to prevent the spread of SVC and follow the advice set out in DEFRA's advisory booklet "Combating Fish Disease".

Notes for Editors

1. The Order (Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas)(England)(No.4) Order 2002) restricts the movement of any live fish or live eggs of fish into or out of the designated area without the prior written consent of DEFRA.

2. The designated area is Cudmore Fishery, Whitworth, Staffordshire which when mapped by the Ordnance Survey comprises the area which falls within the following grid references: SJ8065 4270; SJ8100 4125 (bounded to the west by Three Mile Lane); SJ8135 4125; SJ8145 4270.

3. SVC is widespread in continental Europe. In 1988, there was a major outbreak in England and Wales with 40 sites affected. Prior to 1988, only 4 cases had been recorded in Great Britain. There were 2 isolated cases in 1991, 22 in 1994, 14 in 1995, 3 in 1996, 7 in 1997, 4 in 1998, 1 in 1999 and 1 in 2001.

4. Copies of the booklet "Combating Fish Disease" are available on the DEFRA website www.defra.gov.uk/fish/fishfarm/index.htm or free from CEFAS, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB. Tel: 01305 206673/74 Fax: 01305 206602
Email: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

Further information can also be found on www.efishbusiness.co.uk

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