The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes.
The outbreak was confirmed by the UK Fish Health Inspectorate on September 10 at a facility located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise.
According to the UK Government, Koi herpesvirus, also known as KHV, is a serious viral disease that affects common and ornamental carp species.
The disease can cause large numbers of fish to die, especially when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius.
The authorities said infected fish may show several signs, including white or brown patches on their gills, rough skin, excessive loss of mucus and sunken eyes.
However, the UK Government stressed that the disease does not pose a risk to public health.
Following the confirmation of the outbreak, the authorities have introduced restrictions on the movement of aquatic animals in the affected area.
Under the restrictions, no person is allowed to move live aquatic animals, including fish eggs and reproductive materials, into, out of or within the designated area without written permission from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
The authorities also said dead fish and other aquatic animals must be disposed of through approved methods in line with environmental health requirements.
The Fish Health Inspectorate said affected facilities must immediately enter a formal monitoring programme.
Officials will visit the affected sites to check for signs of the disease and ensure that operators comply with the restrictions.
Fish owners and operators are required to immediately report any further deaths or suspected spread of the disease to other waters or facilities within the affected area.
They must also notify the inspectorate before making physical changes to their facilities, including changes to site boundaries, the number or size of water bodies, or how the site is used.
Requests for permission to make such changes must be submitted at least five working days in advance.
The UK Government said statutory controls have been used to manage KHV outbreaks in the country since 2007. The country also operates a surveillance programme to monitor the disease.
When an outbreak is confirmed, control measures may include restricting the movement of susceptible fish, improving biosecurity, removing infected fish, and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
The authorities advised fish owners and operators to take appropriate measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus.
