KOI HERPESVIRUS DISEASE OUTBREAK CONFIRMED

Cefas news release ref: 230/07
Date: 26 July 2007

Movements of fish in and out of a Lancashire fishery have been restricted following the confirmation of the serious viral fish disease, Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease.

Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Kingsdown Flash, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire.

Samples were taken from the affected fishery following reported deaths of fish.

KHV Disease affects common carp and carp varieties such as Koi. It can result in high rates of fish mortalities.

There are no implications for human health.

It became a legal obligation to notify suspicion of KHV Disease on 6 April 2007. The measures developed in partnership between government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on 21 May.

Suspicion of the presence of the disease should be immediately reported to: the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel: 01305-206673/206674
Email: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

Notes for editors

The Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) (No.2) Order 2007, issued under the 1937 Diseases of Fish Act (as amended), 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.
The designated area is: Kingsdown Flash, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire, which, when mapped by Ordnance survey, encompasses the area that falls within the following grid references: SD61100170: SD61200175: SD61250140: SD61150135.
KHV disease may be suspected if dead or dying fish with other clinical evidence such as bleeding from the gills, white patches on the gills or skin, sunken eyes and hyperactive behaviour are found in fisheries, other inland waters, fish farms, fish dealers, retailers, aquaria and garden ponds. These signs usually appear when water temperatures are between 15°C and 28°C.
Details of the statutory and voluntary controls in place to help combat outbreaks of KHV Disease may be accessed from the following web site : www.efishbusiness.co.uk

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