August 15, 2007

Two UK fisheries hit by KHV

UK's Defra (Department of Farms and Rural Affairs) has confirmed the presence of the deadly Koi Herpes Virus at two fisheries in southern England.

Samples of fish taken from Canvey Lake at Canvey Island, Essex, and River Park Farm Fishery at Lodsworth, West Sussex, were found to have the virus this week after suspicious deaths of carp at the farms were reported.

Defra has prohibited fish movements in the area to prevent the spread of the disease.

The outbreaks are among the first to be formally reported this year, after the disease became notifiable on April 6 this year, meaning farmers were required to report to authorities any incidences of the disease.

The change in the law also gave authorities greater powers to close fisheries to prevent the disease spreading.