Anglers can help to prevent the spread of fish disease by making sure their fishing tackle is cleaned after use.
The Defra leaflet “Keep Fish Diseases Out” highlights the importance of this for anglers who have been fishing abroad. But disease can also be spread between waters in England and Wales. This leaflet tells you how you can disinfect fishing tackle and clothing.
What methods can be used?
The two best methods for disinfecting fishing tackle are:
- thoroughly drying equipment for a minimum of 48 hours, preferably in direct unlight (ensure all mud and debris are removed first).
- using chemical disinfectants (such as Virkon® Aquatic).
Of the two methods, drying in sunlight is the best, but may not always be practical. If a chemical disinfectant is used instead, it is the responsibility of the person using it to make sure that all the manufacturer’s instructions and health and safety advice is followed.
How to disinfect your tackle with Virkon® Aquatic
Virkon® Aquatic has been designed for use in the aquatic environment and for killing fish pathogens. It is available in both powder and tablet form, both of which should be made up to a 1 per cent solution with water. The pink coloured solution will stay active for five days. It will lose its pink colour when inactive and should be replaced.
The solution should be kept out of direct sunlight and should be covered to avoid dilution with rain water. Virkon® Aquatic breaks down to non-toxic, degradable components either when dry or when diluted with water. It represents a low hazard to the environment when introduced in small amounts (such as on treated nets).
- Equipment should be cleaned of all mud and debris.
- It should then be immersed or sprayed with Virkon® Aquatic. An immersion/exposure time of at least 15 minutes is required.
- After 15 minutes the equipment can be rinsed in a separate tank of clean water. Nets and similar equipment can be dipped into the lake before fish are handled.
Other disinfectants are available and if you decide to use these, you must ensure they are suitable. Some disinfectants may contain hazardous chemicals. It is important that product labels and manufacturer’s instructions are followed carefully. Protective clothing and equipment should be worn when diluting disinfectants to protect the eyes and skin. If in doubt seek advice from the suppliers. Manufacturer’s guidance on disposal should always be followed.
Virkon® Aquatic is available from a range of distributors, including Bradan Ltd. (www.bradanbiosecurity.com, Tel: 01586 552228).
This information is for guidance purposes only. The manufacturer’s product information and safety instructions must be read before the product is used and must be adhered to. Reference to specific disinfectant products should not be construed as a recommendation.
For more information on disinfecting fishing tackle and equipment please contact:
Fisheries Technical Services – Fish Health, Ageing and Species
Environment Agency, Bromholme Lane, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NE
Tel: 01480 483802; Fax: 01480 433873
fish.health@environment-agency.gov.uk
Fish Health Inspectorate
Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB
Tel: 01305 206600, Fax: 01305 206601
fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk
