DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (291/08) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 4 September 2008
Movements of fish
in and out of Earlswood Lakes, Norton Lane, Earlswood, Solihull,
West Midlands have been restricted, following the confirmation of
Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease. Movements of fish in and out of the
adjacent waters, known as Mereside Pools have also been restricted.
Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement
of fish to and from Earlswood Lakes and Mereside Pools, Solihull,
West Midlands.
KHV Disease affects common carp and carp varieties such as Koi.
It can result in high rates of fish mortalities.
There are no implications for human health.
It became a legal obligation to notify suspicion of KHV Disease
on 6th April 2007. The measures developed in partnership between
government and industry to help combat outbreaks were announced on
21st May 2007.
Suspicion of the presence of the disease should be immediately
reported to: the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (Cefas) in Weymouth
Tel:
01305-206673/206674
E-mail: fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk
Notes to Editors
1. The Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) (No. 7)
Order 2008, issued under the 1937 Diseases of Fish Act (as
amended), restricts the movement of any live fish, or live eggs of
fish, into or out of the designated area without the prior
written consent of Defra.
2. The designated area incorporates Earlswood Lakes (Engine Pool,
Windmill Pool and Terry's Pool) and Mereside Pools, Solihull,
West Midlands and comprises the waters and the land in the area
bounded by a line drawn from the following Ordnance Survey grid
references: SP11257450 following the course of the lane known as
Valley Road to SP11707400, following the course of the B1402 road
to SP11507320, straight to SP10157385 and returning to SP11257450.
3. KHV disease may be suspected if dead or dying fish with other
clinical evidence such as bleeding from the gills, white patches
on the gills or skin, sunken eyes and hyperactive behaviour are
found in fisheries, other inland waters, fish farms, fish dealers,
retailers, aquaria and garden ponds. These signs usually appear
when water temperatures are between 15 Degrees C and 28 Degrees C.
4. Details of the statutory and voluntary controls in place to
help combat outbreaks of KHV Disease may be accessed from the
following web site : http://www.efishbusiness.co.uk;
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on
our website
http://www.defra.gov.uk
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