The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes.
According to a statement by the UK Government on Monday, the outbreak was confirmed by the UK Fish Health Inspectorate on September 10 at a facility located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise.
Koi herpesvirus, commonly known as KHV, is a serious viral infection that affects common carp and ornamental carp species, according to the UK Government.
The disease can result in significant fish deaths, particularly when water temperatures range between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Authorities said infected fish may develop symptoms such as white or brown patches on their gills, roughened skin, excessive mucus loss and sunken eyes. However, they stressed that KHV does not pose a threat to public health.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, movement controls have been imposed on aquatic animals within the affected area.
Under the restrictions, live aquatic animals, including fish eggs and reproductive materials, must not be moved into, out of or within the designated area without written authorisation from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
The authorities also directed that dead fish and other aquatic animals be disposed of using approved methods that comply with environmental health requirements.
Facilities affected by the outbreak have been ordered to immediately enter a formal monitoring programme. Officials will conduct visits to the sites to look for evidence of the disease and ensure that operators comply with the imposed restrictions.
Fish owners and operators are required to immediately report any further deaths or suspected transmission of the virus to other waters or facilities within the affected area.
They must also seek approval from the inspectorate before carrying out physical alterations to their facilities. Such changes include modifying site boundaries, altering the number or size of water bodies, or changing how the site is used.
Applications for permission to make such alterations must be submitted at least five working days before the proposed changes.
The UK Government said statutory controls have been in place to manage KHV outbreaks in the country since 2007, while a surveillance programme is also operated to monitor the disease.
Where an outbreak is confirmed, control measures can include restricting the movement of susceptible fish, strengthening biosecurity measures, removing infected fish, and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
Authorities urged fish owners and operators to implement appropriate measures to prevent the introduction and further spread of the virus.
