Cefas joins forces with anglers to combat fish disease
A jointly funded research project, by the English Carp Heritage Organisation (ECHO) and Cefas to develop improved diagnostic methods for the deadly Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) has proved to be a major success. Both ECHO and Cefas are delighted with the results.
The project concerned the protection of native carp stocks from KHV. Cefas carried out experiments to determine if carp can be carriers of KHV, from previous exposure, but not exhibit any signs of the infection. A major aim of the project was to produce a tool that detects the presence of post-infection antibodies in carp in order to identify carp that may be infected and/or be carriers of KHV without exhibiting any outward signs of the disease.
Cefas currently provides screening and diagnostic tests for KHV, but these are based on whole fish tests. The major advantage of this new technique is that it uses blood samples and is not lethal, an important consideration with a valuable carp specimen. Nicholas Beevers, the project leader, reported at a recent meeting with ECHO ‘This technique is a very promising as a screening tool to detect fish carrying the infection and so prevent their introduction into fisheries. The test appears reliable and reproducible, and the level of antibodies produced by individual fish was enough to detect exposed populations’.
The research project is a direct consequence of the strong relations that have developed between ECHO and Cefas’ Fish Health Inspectorate. Both parties have worked hard to prevent fish diseases being introduced to the UK through infected foreign fish. Defra have recently committed additional funding of £140k to ensure that the research into the diagnosis and prevention of KHV can continue at Cefas
KHV is a recently emerging viral disease that has caused dramatic mortalities in K oi carp in many parts of the world. The disease was probably introduced into the UK several years ago through the trade in ornamental carp, and now poses a potential major threat to the UK’s native common carp stocks.
Cefas currently offers two types of test. 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.
