KOI HERPESVIRUS DISEASE OUTBREAK CONFIRMED

Information Bulletin ref: 284/08280

Date: 28 August 2008

Movements of fish in and out of Weller Pool, Lynsters Lakes, Coppermill Lane, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease. Movements of fish in and out of the adjacent waters in the Colne River Valley, Hertfordshire and Greater London Area have also been restricted.

Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Lynsters Lakes and all waters that have potential contact with the infected fishery in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

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 6th April 2007. The measures developed in partnership between government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on 21st May 2007.

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
E-mail: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) (No. 6) Order 2008, 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.

2. The designated area incorporates Lynsters Lakes and the adjacent waters in the Colne River Valley, Hertfordshire and Greater London Area and comprises the waters and the land in the area bounded by a line drawn from the following Ordnance Survey grid references: TQ02739215, straight to TQ04089213, then straight to TQ05408899, then straight to TQ06028605, then straight to TQ04728622 and returning to TQ02739215.

3. The designated area includes the following waters: Lynsters Lakes (comprising Weller Pool, Lynsters New and Lynsters Old), Pynesfield Lake, North Troy, Longlife Lake, Troy Lake, Harefield Lake, Harefield Place North, Harefield Place South, Korda Lake, Broadwater, Long Pond, Harefield Pit 1, Harefield Pit 2, Pit 3 (Denham Lake), Pit 4, Finger Lake, Gravel Pit, Wild Fowl Lake, Savey Lake and Denham Water Ski Club Lake.

4. 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.

5. 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;

Press enquiries 020 7238 6027; Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website: www.defra.gov.uk
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