Movements of fish in and out of a West Midlands fishery have been restricted following the confirmation of the serious viral fish disease, Koi Herpesvirus Disease.

Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Packington Somers Fishery, Broadwater, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, West Midlands.

Samples were taken from the affected fishery following reported deaths of fish.

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 6 April 2007.  The measures developed in partnership between government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on 21 May. 

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
Email: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

EDITORS’ NOTES

1. The Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) (No. 7) Order 2007, issued under the 1937 Diseases of Fish Act (as amended), restricts the movement of any live fish, or eggs of fish, into or out of the designated area without the prior written consent of Defra.

2. The designated area is: Packington Somers Fishery, Broadwater, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, West Midlands, CV7 7HR, which, when mapped by Ordnance Survey, comprises the area that falls within the following grid references: SP22108200; SP22708200; SP22708290; and SP21508290 (bounded to the east by, but not including, the River Blythe).

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;