The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, prompting authorities to introduce statutory measures to prevent the spread of the infection.
The Fish Health Inspectorate confirmed the outbreak on September 10 at a growing facility located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise, according to a statement published by the UK Government on Monday.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science said Koi herpesvirus disease, commonly known as KHV, is a serious viral infection affecting common and ornamental carp species.
The agency warned that the disease can cause significant mortality among affected fish.
Symptoms associated with KHV include white or brown lesions on the gills, roughened skin, excessive mucus and sunken eyes. The signs are particularly likely to occur when water temperatures range between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Despite the seriousness of the disease among fish, the UK Government stressed that KHV poses no risk to public health.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, authorities placed statutory controls on the affected area, restricting the movement of aquatic animals, including fish, eggs and gametes.
Under the measures, aquatic animals cannot be moved into, out of or within the designated area without prior written approval from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
The authorities also directed that dead aquatic animals, including eggs and gametes, be disposed of through approved Category 2 animal-by-product waste procedures and in line with local environmental health requirements.
The Fish Health Inspectorate said affected sites would immediately enter a formal monitoring programme. Its officials will inspect the facilities for evidence of the disease and assess compliance with the restrictions imposed.
Operators are also required to notify the inspectorate immediately if fish deaths recur or spread to other waters or facilities within the designated area.
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Advance notification is similarly required before any physical changes are made to affected sites, including alterations to site boundaries, the number or size of water bodies, or the use of the premises.
Requests for the required approvals must be submitted to the Fish Health Inspectorate at least five working days before the intended activity.
The UK Government said statutory controls have been imposed on KHV outbreaks in the country since 2007 as part of efforts to limit transmission.
It added that the UK operates a surveillance programme for the disease and that, following confirmation of an outbreak, the inspectorate takes measures to control and, where possible, eliminate the infection.
Such measures may include movement restrictions on susceptible fish species, improved biosecurity, culling, and the cleaning and disinfection of affected premises.
Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
The government urged fish owners and operators to remain vigilant and contact the Fish Health Inspectorate if they observe symptoms associated with KHV or unusual deaths involving carp or carp hybrids.