WIREDGOV

Movements of fish into, out of and within two fisheries have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus disease at sites in Kent and West Sussex. The outbreaks are not related.

Cefas, acting on behalf of Defra, has issued a confirmed designation to each site prohibiting the movement of fish at:

• CD 37/ 2009 Chartham Angling Society Lakes, Thruxted Lane, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent
• CD 38/ 2009 Passies Ponds Fishery Lakes, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing, West Sussex

Under the requirements of the designations the fisheries have been directed to establish and maintain on-site facilities for the disinfection of angling equipment at all access points for each of the designated sites and anglers must comply with their use.

Samples were taken from the affected sites following reported deaths of fish.

Koi Herpesvirus disease affects all varieties of carp (Cyprinus carpio), including common carp, mirror carp, ghost carp and koi carp and can result in high rates of fish mortalities.

There are no implications for human health.

Koi Herpesvirus disease is notifiable, any suspicion of its presence should be immediately reported to:

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel: 01035 206700
E-mail:fhi@cefas.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. CD 37/ 2009 and CD 38/ 2009 are issued under the Aquatic Animal Health, England and Wales Regulations 2009 and restrict the movement of any live fish, including their eggs and gametes, into, out of or within the designated area without the prior written consent of the Fish Health Inspectorate at Cefas.
2. The designated areas are:
   CD 37/ 2009 - Chartham Angling Society Lakes, Thruxted Lane, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent, with a central grid reference of TR09195465 CD 38/ 2009 – Passies Ponds Fishery Lakes, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing, West Sussex, with a central grid reference of TQ19540878
3. Clinical signs of the disease may include white or necrotic patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin, sloughing mucous and sunken eyes. These signs usually appear when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees centigrade
4. Further information is available at www.efishbusiness.co.uk, or from Cefas, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB. Tel: 01305 206700 or e-mail: fhi@cefas.co.uk