By Ado Oyeyemi
The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, prompting authorities to impose movement restrictions on aquatic animals in the affected area.
The UK Government said the outbreak was confirmed by the Fish Health Inspectorate on September 10 at a facility located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise.
Koi herpesvirus, also known as KHV, is a serious viral disease that affects common carp and ornamental carp species.
According to the authorities, the disease can cause significant fish deaths, particularly when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Infected fish may show symptoms including white or brown patches on their gills, roughened skin, excessive mucus production and sunken eyes.
However, the government stressed that the virus poses no threat to public health.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, restrictions were introduced to control the movement of aquatic animals within the designated area.
Live aquatic animals, including fish eggs and reproductive materials, cannot be moved into, out of or within the affected zone without written approval from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Authorities also directed operators to dispose of dead fish and other aquatic animals through approved methods that meet environmental health requirements.
Affected facilities have been placed under a formal monitoring programme, with officials expected to conduct inspections to detect signs of the disease and ensure compliance with the restrictions.
Fish owners and operators have also been instructed to report any further deaths or suspected spread of the virus to other waters or facilities within the affected area.
The government said operators must obtain approval before making physical changes to affected facilities, including altering site boundaries, changing the number or size of water bodies, or modifying the use of the site.
Applications for such changes must be submitted at least five working days before the proposed alterations.
The UK Government said statutory controls for managing KHV outbreaks have been in place since 2007, alongside a surveillance programme for monitoring the disease.
Where an outbreak is confirmed, control measures may include restricting the movement of susceptible fish, improving biosecurity, removing infected fish and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
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Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, while authorities have urged fish owners and operators to strengthen preventive measures to stop the introduction and spread of the virus.
