Defra Press Release

NOTIFIABLE FISH DISEASE CONFIRMED ON A TROUT FARM IN YORKSHIRE

News Release ref : 242/06
Date: 30 May 2006

Scientists at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) are investigating the origins of an outbreak of a notifiable fish disease at a trout farm.

Movement restriction orders on fish farms along the entire River Ouse catchment area in Yorkshire are in place following confirmation of Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS).

VHS is a notifiable disease affecting mainly farmed rainbow trout which can cause up to 80 per cent mortality.

Fish farms in the area and others which may have had contact with the infected premises have been inspected but none have so far shown clinical evidence of disease.

However, results of tests from samples are expected soon (tests can take up to two weeks) and inspections of other sites in the Ouse catchment area are due to be completed later this week.

The affected farm has now been cleared of all fish and plans are in place to disinfect the site.

For more information on VHS please see www.efishbusiness.co.uk/news/vhs-disinfo.asp.

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