Fish virus outbreak hits UK facilities - Punch Newspapers
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The UK has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, and imposed statutory controls to restrict the movement of aquatic animals. The Fish Health Inspectorate confirmed the outbreak at a growing facility at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise, on September 10, according to a statement published by the UK Government on Monday. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, which published the statement, said KHV “is a serious viral disease of fish and is a listed disease in the United Kingdom.” It said the disease “affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species (Cyprinus carpio) and can result in large scale mortalities.” KHV fish virus outbreak hits UK facilities | Home Office website According to the statement, infected fish may show “necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills,” “rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous” and “sunken eyes”, particularly when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius. The UK Government said, “There is no risk to public health.” It urged people to contact the FHI if they suspect an outbreak, including where fish show the identified signs or there are deaths of carp or carp hybrids. The FHI said sites affected by KHV “must undergo a formal monitoring programme immediately following the outbreak.” It said its officials visit affected sites “to look for evidence of disease and to inspect compliance with the conditions of the statutory controls in place.” The authorities have imposed controls restricting the movement of aquatic animals into, out of or within the designated area. Under the controls, “No person may, without the previous consent in writing of the FHI, move any aquatic animal including eggs, and gametes, into, out of or within a confirmed designation area.” The disposal of dead aquatic animals, including eggs and gametes, must also be carried out through an approved method for Category 2 animal-by-product waste in compliance with local environmental health requirements. PAP sends 54 scholars to UK for postgraduate studies Katsina, UK begin literacy programme for children Passport intervention: FG addresses UK complaints, denies extra charges The FHI must be notified immediately if fish deaths recur or spread to other waters or facilities within the designated area. The inspectorate must also be notified in advance of intended physical changes to sites within the designated area, including changes to site boundaries, the number or size of waters and the use of the site. The statement said requests for the necessary consents “must be submitted to the FHI with a minimum of 5 working days’ notice.” It added that when laboratory testing confirms KHV disease at a site, the FHI places statutory controls “to limit the spread of the disease.” The UK Government said KHV outbreaks had been subject to statutory controls in the country since 2007, while the UK maintains a surveillance programme for the disease. “When the FHI confirm an outbreak, they take steps to control and, wherever possible, remove the disease,” the statement said. It added that such measures could include “movement controls on susceptible species in the affected area, enhanced biosecurity, culling of fish, and cleaning and disinfecting of the premises.” The statement said KHV is a listed disease under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. It also said operators of affected sites must obtain permission from the FHI to move live fish, fish eggs or gametes into, out of or within a designated area once statutory controls are in place. The authorities advised fish owners and operators to take steps to prevent the introduction and spread of KHV disease. According to the release, Koi herpesvirus disease (KHV) is a listed disease under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. KHV outbreaks have been subject to statutory controls in the UK since 2007. The UK maintains a surveillance programme for this disease Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
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