June 20, 2006

Fish disease detected at UK trout farm

A trout farm in Wales have tested positive for bacterial kidney disease (BKD), British media reported Jun 19.

The disease, which can cause mass die-offs in fish, was detected through routine testing at a fish farm in Ceredigion, according to the BBC.

The local  government said the farm is the only site in Wales to be hit. However, investigations are on-going and all movement of fish to and from the farm has been stopped.

Measures have been put in place to prevent the disease spreading, and the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) is at the farm to eliminate the disease.

Farms that have received fish from the affected farm have been contacted, and advised to contact the FHI if they notice unusual fish deaths.

The disease usually breaks out in Europe in the spring and summer. While it is a serious disease, it is uncommon in the UK.

BKD was first discovered in Atlantic salmon on the River Dee in Scotland in the 1930s.

Infected fish may have protruding eyes, a swollen abdomen, pale anaemic gills and haemorrhaging at the base of the gills.