Information Bulletin ref: CD10/2011

Date: 21^st November 2011

An outbreak of Koi Herpesvirus disease has been confirmed at Stone Marsh Angling Club Lakes, Crossways Business Park, Dartford, Kent. The affected area is now subject to statutory controls appropriate to prevent or limit the spread of the disease.

Consequently, Cefas acting on behalf of Defra has issued a confirmed designation prohibiting the movement of fish to, from and within Stone Marsh Angling Club Lakes (known as Charles Lake and Stone Lake) and adjacent waters. Equipment movement control measures are also now in force and anglers must ensure that they comply with all such biosecurity measures within the designated area.

Due to the proximity and water connections, the designated area also incorporates the adjacent waters known as Island Lake, Campanile Lake, Bridge Lake and Thames Lake these are therefore subject to the same disease control and equipment measures.

Koi herpesvirus 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:

• CD 10/ 2011, issued under the Aquatic Animal Health, England and Wales Regulations 2009 restricts 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 area is within Crossways Business Park, Dartford, Kent and has a central British National Grid Reference of: TQ 5698 7549.
• Clinical signs of KHV 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 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