Information Bulletin ref: CD03/ 2011 and CD04 /2011
Date: 09 August 2011

Koi herpesvirus disease has been confirmed by the Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas, at the following fisheries:

• CD03/2011 – Whitevane Pond, Forest Grange, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6HX
• CD04/ 2011 – The Duckery, Badgersrake Lane, Ledsham, Near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

Cefas acting on behalf of Defra has issued a confirmed designation to each fishery which prohibits the movement of fish to, from and within the site. Equipment movement control measures are also now in force and anglers must ensure they comply with all biosecurity measures in place at the affected fisheries.

Samples were taken from the affected sites following reported deaths of carp. In both instances the site owners took responsible action and voluntarily closed the affected waters while disease investigations were underway.

Koi herpesvirus disease affects all varieties of carp (Cyprinus carpio), including common carp, mirror carp, ghost carp and koi carp and can result in high rates of fish mortalities.

There are no implications for human health.

Koi herpesvirus is a notifiable disease, any suspicion of its presence should be immediately reported to:

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel: 01305 206700
E-mail:fhi@cefas.co.uk

 Notes to editors:

• CD03/ 2011 and CD04/ 2011, issued under the Aquatic Animal Health, England and Wales Regulations 2009 restrict the movement of any live fish, including their eggs and gametes, into, out of or within the designated area without the prior written consent of the Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas.
• The designated areas are known as:
• CD03/ 2011 Whitevane Pond, Forest Grange, HORSHAM, West Sussex. British National Grid Reference (centre of designation): TQ21143150, covering an approximate area of 44,496 Square metres
• CD04/ 2011 The Duckery, Nr Hallwood Farm, Badgersrake Lane, Ledsham, ELLESMERE PORT, Cheshire. British National Grid Reference (centre of designation): SJ34067676, covering an approximate area of 181,254 Square metres
• Clinical signs of the disease may include white or necrotic patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin, sloughing mucous and sunken eyes. These signs usually appear when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees centigrade.
• Further information is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/aahm/ or from Cefas, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB. Tel: 01305 206700 or e-mail: fhi@cefas.co.uk