Movements of fish into, out of and within three fisheries in Norfolk have been restricted, following the confirmation of koi herpesvirus disease.
Cefas, acting on behalf of Defra, has issued Confirmed Designations prohibiting the movement of fish into, out of and within the affected sites, all of which are operated by Barford Lakes, Chapel Street, Barford, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4BJ. The designated fisheries are as follows:
1) CD 27/ 2009 Barford Lakes, Chapel Street, Barford, Norfolk, NR9 4BJ also including Marlingford Mere, Marlingford Hall, Norfolk
2) CD 28/ 2009 Colton and Greenacres Reservoirs, Colton, Dereham, Norfolk
3) CD 29/ 2009 Railway and Willow Lakes, Station Road, Thuxton, Dereham, Norfolk
Under the requirements of the designations, the waters listed above operated by Barford Lakes 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 each of 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 a notifiable disease and 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
CD 27/ 2009, CD 28/ 2009 and CD 29/ 2009, issued under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 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.
The designated areas are:
CD 27/ 2009 Barford Lakes, Barford, Norfolk, also including Marlingford Mere, Marlingford Hall Norfolk, with a central national grid reference of TG12580788
CD 28/ 2009 Colton and Greenacres Reservoirs, Colton, Dereham, Norfolk, with a central national grid reference of TG10311029 and;
CD 29/ 2009 Railway and Willow Lakes (including stock ponds), Station Road, Thuxton, Norfolk, with a central national grid reference of TG02910724
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
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