KOI HERPESVIRUS DISEASE OUTBREAK CONFIRMED

Information Bulletin ref: 312/08

Date: 25 September 2008

Movements of fish in and out of a fishery in East Sussex have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease.

Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Moor Hall Pools (Old Lake and New Lake), Moor Hall Farm, Ninfield, Nr Battle, East Sussex.

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. 12) 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 Moor Hall Pools (Old Lake and New Lake), Moor Hall Farm, Ninfield, Nr Battle, East Sussex and comprises the waters and the land in the area bounded by a line drawn from the following Ordnance Survey grid references: TQ69691202 straight to TQ69831198, then straight to TQ69821190, then straight to TQ69711170, then straight to TQ69541179 and returning to TQ69691202.

3. 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.

4. 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;
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