Spring Viraemia of Carp Outbreak Confirmed

Movements of fish in and out of a North Yorkshire fishery have been restricted following the confirmation of Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC).

Defra has issued a Designated Area Order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from The Willows, Hessay, York, North Yorkshire, following confirmation of the presence of the disease in fish at the site.

Samples were taken from the affected fishery following reported deaths of fish at the site.

SVC is a serious viral disease that affects common and ornamental carp as well as a variety of other species including tench, goldfish and Wels catfish.

There are no implications for human health.

SVC is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of its presence should be immediately reported to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) in Weymouth – 01305 206673 or 206674.

Anyone who imports, keeps or retails carp or other susceptible species should take strict precautions to prevent the spread of SVC and follow the advice set out in Defra’s advisory booklets Combating Fish Disease and Keep Fish Disease Out (see www.defra.gov.uk.).

FishingMagic Notes
The Diseases of Fish (Designated Areas) (England) Order 2007 restricts the movement of any live fish or live eggs of fish into or out of the designated area without the prior written consent of Defra.

The designated area is: The Willows, Hessay, York, North Yorkshire, and comprising Goldrush Pool and Ridge Pool, which when mapped by Ordnance survey encompasses the area which falls within the following grid references: SE53305390; SE53405410; SE53505390; SE53405380 (bounded to the south by the A59 road).

SVC is widespread in continental Europe. In 1988, there was a major outbreak in England and Wales with 40 sites affected. Prior to 1988, only 4 cases had been recorded in Great Britain. Previous recent cases include:

  • 2001 – 1 case
  • 2002 – 4 cases
  • 2003 – 2 cases
  • 2004 – 2 cases
  • 2005 – 1 case

This is the first recorded case this year. There were no cases in 2006.

Carp with SVC
Carp with SVC

Clinical signs of the disease may include darkening of the skin, swollen eyes, abdominal swelling, pale gills, trailing faecal casts and protrusion of the anus. Infected fish tend to be lethargic and show signs of haemorrhaging.

Further information is available at www.efishbusiness.co.uk, from fishhealth@defra.gsi.gov.uk or from Cefas, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB. Tel 01305 206673/74, fax 01305 206602, email fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

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