Defra News Realease
OUTBREAK OF SPRING VIRAEMIA OF CARP
News Ref: 186/03
Date: 22/05/2003
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued
an Order under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937, prohibiting the movement
of fish to and from Woodland View Fishery and Woodland View Fish Farm,
Hay Lane, Hadley, near Droitwich, Worcestershire, 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) Order 2003
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 Woodland View Fishery and Woodland View Fish
Farm, Hay Lane, Hadley, near Droitwich, Worcestershire which when mapped
by the Ordnance Survey comprises the area which falls within the following
grid references: SO857644; SO856650; SO860647 and SO861644.
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, 1 in 2001 and 4 in 2002. This is the first outbreak in 2003.
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 in the members area : Members area
Press enquiries 020 7238 6027;
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website
www.defra.gov.uk
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