Fish virus warning issued to Shropshire anglers
Anglers and fish breeders in the county are being warned to keep their equipment dry and clean to stop the spread of a disease that has killed thousands of fish.
The Koi herpes virus (KHV) has led to the loss of hundreds of carp across the West Midlands, and there are fears it will spread to Shropshire.
So far there have been outbreaks in Worcestershire and Staffordshire this year at Brockamin Fisheries, near Worcester, at Severn Sport & Leisure, Larford Lakes, near Kidderminster and at Corner House Farm Lake, near Burton-on-Trent.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust has said that so far the outbreaks have been restricted to neighbouring counties but the disease, which affects fish in still water, particularly in the hot weather, is easily transferred.
Nick Stinton from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science agreed, and has warned those using equipment at lakes and pools to be careful, saying anglers could be partly to blame for spread of the disease by not cleaning their nets.
"People dump fish out of their garden ponds occasionally, but one of the other ways it spreads is via angling kits, equipment that's going to move fish slime around," he said.
Callum Trow, at Total Angling in Shrewsbury, said: "It gets seen across the UK. There are a few fisheries who have had it or do have it at the moment. I think it's just about keeping your nets dry basically, making sure you dry them out before you use them again elsewhere."
Steve Sharma, speaking for the Environment Agency in the West Midlands, said: "KHV is a viral disease of common carp and all its varieties, including mirror, ghost and koi carp.
"Outbreaks of KHV disease generally occur in still water fisheries during periods of higher water temperatures, above 16C.
"It is highly contagious for fish but has no implications for human health."
"It is a notifiable disease, which means that if you suspect outbreak of KHV disease, you must immediately report it to the Fish Health Inspectorate.
"KHV disease is not uncommon and across the West Midlands we have had three confirmed cases this year.
"We would also advise that fishing is stopped on all affected waters until further investigation has been carried out."
He said there are simple steps people can take to help stop the spread of such diseases, including drying all equipment and clothing.
"Some species can live for many days in moist conditions, exposure to direct sunlight is one of the most effective methods of disinfection," he said.
"Check your equipment and clothing for live organisms, particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
"Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. Use hot water where possible.
"If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them. Make sure you don't transfer water elsewhere," he added.
Any unexplained fish deaths can be reported to the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060.
For concerns or advice regarding fisheries contact 03708 506506.
