The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, with authorities imposing controls to prevent the spread of the virus.
The UK’s Fish Health Inspectorate confirmed the outbreak at a growing facility at Tree Farm on September 10, according to a notice published by the government on Monday.
Koi herpesvirus, KHV, is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that affects common and ornamental carp species and can cause large-scale deaths among infected fish.
The UK Government said the outbreak poses no risk to public health.
Authorities said infected fish may develop white or brown patches on their gills, rough patches on the skin, excessive mucus and sunken eyes, particularly when water temperatures are between 16°C and 28°C.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, statutory controls have been imposed at the affected facility to restrict the movement of aquatic animals, including fish, eggs and reproductive material, into, out of or within the designated area.
The Fish Health Inspectorate must give written permission before aquatic animals can be moved within the affected area.
The authorities have also ordered that dead aquatic animals be disposed of through approved methods and that any further fish deaths or spread to other waters or facilities be reported immediately.
Sites affected by KHV are required to undergo a formal monitoring programme, with inspectors visiting to check for evidence of the disease and compliance with the controls.
The UK Government said measures used to control confirmed outbreaks can include restrictions on the movement of susceptible fish, enhanced biosecurity, culling and the cleaning and disinfection of affected premises.
KHV has been subject to statutory controls in the UK since 2007, while the country maintains a surveillance programme for the disease.
The latest outbreak is being managed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
