A disease capable of wiping out large numbers of carp has been detected at a fish-growing facility in the United Kingdom, prompting authorities to impose movement restrictions and tighten surveillance around the affected site.
The UK Government confirmed that Koi herpesvirus disease (KHV) was detected at a facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, with the outbreak officially confirmed by the UK Fish Health Inspectorate on September 10.
The affected premises is located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise.
Although the virus poses no threat to human health, officials are treating the outbreak seriously because of its potentially devastating impact on susceptible fish populations.
What is Koi herpesvirus?
Koi herpesvirus, commonly referred to as KHV, is a viral disease that affects common carp and ornamental carp, including koi.
The infection can cause substantial fish mortality, particularly when water temperatures are between 16°C and 28°C, conditions under which the virus can become especially damaging.
Infected fish may show a range of warning signs, including unusual changes to their skin and gills.
According to authorities, symptoms can include white or brown patches on the gills, roughened skin, excessive loss of mucus and sunken eyes.
The UK Government stressed, however, that KHV does not pose a risk to public health.
Movement of fish restricted
Following confirmation of the outbreak, authorities introduced controls covering the movement of aquatic animals in the affected area.
Under the restrictions, live aquatic animals — including fish eggs and reproductive material — cannot be moved into, out of or within the designated area without written permission from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
The measures are designed to limit the possibility of the virus spreading to other fish populations, farms or waterways.
Operators have also been instructed to dispose of dead fish and other aquatic animals through approved methods that meet environmental health requirements.
Facilities placed under monitoring
The affected facilities will now operate under a formal monitoring programme as officials intensify efforts to establish whether the virus has spread beyond the initial outbreak.
Fish Health Inspectorate officers are expected to visit affected sites, monitor for signs of infection and check compliance with the restrictions.
Owners and operators have also been told to report immediately if they detect further fish deaths or suspect that the virus has spread to another facility or water body within the controlled area.
Even physical changes to affected facilities now require prior approval.
Operators must obtain permission before altering site boundaries, changing the number or size of water bodies, or changing the way the facility is used.
Applications for such changes must be submitted at least five working days before the proposed alteration.
Britain has dealt with KHV before
The latest outbreak is being handled under statutory controls that have been in place in the UK since 2007.
The country also operates a surveillance programme designed to monitor the disease and detect outbreaks.
Where KHV is confirmed, authorities can impose a range of measures, including restricting the movement of susceptible fish, strengthening biosecurity, removing infected fish and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
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Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
Authorities urge fish owners to act
With the outbreak now under official control, fish owners and operators have been urged to strengthen measures aimed at preventing the virus from being introduced into other facilities or spreading further.
For the affected area, the immediate priority is containment: restricting movement, monitoring fish populations and ensuring that operators comply with the prescribed biosecurity measures.
While the outbreak does not threaten people, its potential consequences for common carp and ornamental fish make early detection and strict controls critical to preventing wider losses.