KHV fishery
KHV is a serious viral disease of fish, and is notifiable in the United Kingdom. It affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp (Cyprinus carpio), and can result in large scale mortalities.
Fish with KHV disease may show the following signs, especially when water temperatures are between 16 to 28 degree centigrade:
- necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills
- rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous
- sunken eyes
You must contact the FHI if you suspect an outbreak of KHV. This includes fish with the above signs, or deaths of carp or carp hybrids.
There is no risk to public health.
New outbreaks
When laboratory testing confirms KHV disease at a site, the FHI place statutory controls to limit the spread of the disease. These controls restrict movement of animals and ensure equipment is disinfected.
Disease controls have been applied at:
Finished outbreaks
Sites with KHV disease must undergo a monitoring programme. The FHI visit these sites to look for evidence of disease and to inspect compliance with the conditions of the statutory controls in place. The controls are removed if the disease doesn't reoccur during this period.
Some sites choose to cull and disinfect their stocks, rather than undergo a monitoring programme.
