Details

Contents 

1. How to spot KHV
2. How KHV is spread
3. Preventing and controlling KHV
4. FurtherResponse informationto onReports of KHV
5. LegislationFurther relatinginformation toon KHV
6. WhoLegislation relating to contact if you suspect KHV

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is a highly contagious viral disease, causing serious disease outbreaks in all varieties of common carp (Cyrinus(Cyprinus carpio) including mirror carp, leather carp, koi carp and ghost carp. It can cause mortalityhigh rates of up to 100%. mortality.

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How to spot KHV 

TheKHV disease occurs inat water temperatures between 16°C and 29°C. Stress events can trigger anoutbreaks. outbreak.Affected Fishfish often become lethargic and gather at water inlets or in the shallows.  shallows.   

Signs of the disease can include: include:  

• Patches of dead (necrotic) tissue in the gills, often with secondary fungal or bacterial infection. Gills may also appear pale  pale   

• Sunken eyes eyes  

• Over or under production of mucus mucus  

• Rough, dry patches of skin skin  

• Sloughing of mucus mucus  

• Appearance of bleeding on skin and base of fins fins  

• Patchy pale colouration or reddening of the skin 

How KHV is spread 

KHV is spread through contact with infected fish or water. VirusThe virus is released via faeces, urine, gills and skin.  skin.   

KHV can be spread through movements of infected fish, contaminated water, and contaminated equipment such as husbandry, angling and fish transport equipment. equipment.  

Infected fish do not have to be sick or diseased to spread the virus. virus.

Preventing and controlling KHV 

There is no treatment for KHV.  

Prevention is the best approach to disease control. You can protect your fish by being aware of the signs of KHV and other serious diseases and checking stock health regularly.  

Implement good husbandry and biosecurity practises. Further information on biosecurity measures plans, guidance and templates can be found here: Biosecurity Measure Plans - Information and Templates - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Do not buy fish of unknown origin. Follow the rules on importing, exporting or moving aquatic animals: Aquatic animal health and movements guides - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

You must report itsuspicion or confirmation of KHV to the FHI immediately if(by youcalling noticein orEngland becomeand awareWales of01305 206700). This applies to fish showing anyclinical ofsigns theand signstest results indicating suspicion or presence of KHV.KHV, including those from healthy fish and environmental samples.

Response to Reports of KHV

The FHI will investigateassess each report on a case-by-case basis and apply disease control measures if if required. required.  

Further

KHV informationis onendemic KHV 

Worldin OrganisationGreat forBritain, Animalmeaning Healthit (WOAH)is Aquaticestablished Manualin chaptersusceptible KHV. fish populations. 

Legislation

Statutory relatingdisease controls are applied to KHV 

Theauthorised Aquaticaquaculture Animalproduction Healthbusinesses (England(APBs) and Wales)sites Regulationsinvolved 2009  in fish movements (such as farms and importers). Controls may vary according to water(s) or type of facilities affected and the potential risk of disease spread.  

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Further information on KHV 

UnderWorld theOrganisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Aquatic Manual chapter KHV. 

Legislation relating to KHV 

The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 20092009  

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• Email: fhi@cefas.gov.uk 
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legislation.