New Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) testing service launched

Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) is a deadly and extremely contagious viral disease of carp that is spreading rapidly around the world, typically killing four out of every five fish that it infect s resulting in severe economic loss. The disease threatens important carp populations including ornamental koi carp, and the various varieties of the common carp in stocked fisheries and in the wild. There is currently no cure for this disease but early detection can enable prevention of further spread of the disease to unaffected stocks.

KHV can be difficult to diagnose, visual examination is unreliable as the typical signs are also seen in a number of other carp diseases. The most common characteristics are damage to the gills, appearance of rough patches of pale skin and changes in behaviour such as lethargy and loss of balance. Some fish will carry the virus for long periods without exhibiting any external signs of disease.

The only reliable method to confirm the presence of KHV is by using state-of-the-art molecular biological techniques. Cefas, through its subsidiary company, Cefas Technology Limited, is offering these polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for disease diagnosis to clients both within and outside the UK.

Two types of test are available. A screening test that gives a disease status check to those dealing with a large quantity of carp, and a diagnostic test suitable for tissue sample from individual fish suspected of being infected with KHV.

Full details and secure online ordering of the disease diagnosis services are available on the Cefas Technology Limited website.

www.cefastechnology.co.uk