REVISED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF GOLDFISH AND KOI CARP FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO GREAT BRITAIN

I am writing to advise you that with effect from 14 February 2003, imports of live koi carp and goldfish and their eggs and gametes from the USA will be subject to revised licensing and health certification requirements.

The revised arrangements are being put in place following reported outbreaks of spring viraemia of carp (SVC) in some part of the USA and pending additional information we have requested from the authorities there about the prevalence of the disease. SVC is a contagious viral disease which affects carp, goldfish and some other species and often results in significant mortalities in farmed and wild fish.

Until now the USA has been regarded as outside the geographic range of SVC and consignments of live koi carp and goldfish have been allowed to enter Great Britain under the authority of a multiple use DOF 8A licence accompanied by a DOF 15 health certificate signed by the competent official service in the USA.

As from 14 February 2003, the USA will be regarded as within the geographic range of SVC and consignments of live koi carp and goldfish including their eggs and gametes will only be allowed to enter Great Britain under the authority of a individual DOF 8C licence accompanied by a DOF 1 health certificate signed by the competent official service in the USA. Entry into GB must be through a designated Border Inspection Post (BIP).

These arrangements do not affect the rules governing the import of koi carp and goldfish from other countries and do not apply to the import of tropical aquaria fish from the USA.

Further information about the new requirements may be obtained from the Fish Health Inspectorate at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth , Dorset DT4 8UB.
Telephone: 01305 206673/74
Email: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

Yours faithfully

David Mullin

D V Mullin
Fisheries Division II A
(Aquaculture, Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries)