UK confirms outbreak of deadly Koi herpesvirus in Milton Keynes
The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus (KHV) at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes. The UK Fish Health Inspectorate confirmed the outbreak on September 10 at Tree Farm.
Koi herpesvirus is a serious viral disease that primarily affects common carp and ornamental carp species. It is associated with high mortality rates among fish, particularly when water temperatures range from 16 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Symptoms of infection include white or brown patches on gills, roughened skin, excessive mucus loss, and sunken eyes. Authorities have emphasized that KHV does not pose any risk to public health.
In response to the outbreak, movement controls have been implemented for aquatic animals in the affected area. Live aquatic creatures, including fish eggs and reproductive materials, cannot be moved into, out of, or within the designated region without written authorization from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Dead fish and other aquatic animals must be disposed of according to approved methods that comply with environmental health standards. Facilities impacted by the outbreak are required to enter a formal monitoring program, with officials conducting site visits to assess compliance with restrictions and look for signs of the disease.
Fish owners and operators are urged to report any additional fish deaths or suspected virus transmission to other waters or facilities within the affected area immediately. They must also obtain approval from the inspectorate before making changes to their facilities, including alterations to site boundaries or modifications to water bodies.
Applications for such changes must be submitted at least five working days before the proposed modifications.
Statutory controls to manage KHV outbreaks have been in place in the UK since 2007, alongside a surveillance program to monitor the disease. Control measures following a confirmed outbreak may include restricting the movement of susceptible fish, enhancing biosecurity, removing infected fish, and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
Koi herpesvirus is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. Authorities have urged fish owners and operators to implement measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus.
