disease

Bacterial Gill Disease (BGD)

Fish gills, unlike the rest of the body, can't be readily seen and often by the time it has become obvious that the fish is ill, it has become too late. The damage is advanced and, in most cases, untreatable. Therefore vigilance and early diagnosis and treatment is vital.

Koi herpesvirus disease has been confirmed at three fisheries - in Lancashire, Norfolk and East Yorkshire and movements of fish into, out of and within the affected sites have been restricted.

Cefas acting on behalf of Defra has issued three confirmed designations prohibiting the movement of fish to, from and within the following sites:

1. Bradshaw Hall Fisheries Ltd, Slack Lane, off Bradshaw Road, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 4JW.
2. Church Pond, Ryston Estate, Ryston, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 0AA and incorporating the fishery at nearby Everglades Caravan Park.
3. Risby Park Fisheries, Risby Park, Risby, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 8SS
   

Movements of fish into, out of and within a fishery in Hertfordshire have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi Herpesvirus disease.

Cefas acting on behalf of Defra has issued a confirmed designation prohibiting the movement of fish to, from and within Brocket Hall Lakes, Brocket Hall, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG. Under the requirements of the designation the fishery has also been directed to establish and maintain on-site facilities for the disinfection of angling equipment prior to being taken out of the designated area and anglers must comply with their use.

Lymphocystis

This is a common viral disease (herpes) that affects both freshwater and saltwater fish. It is noticed by aquaraists when their fish have become stressed, and was thought to have started through invasion of external damage. However, it has now been discovered that it enters the body as a spore taken in through the gills or injested. It can occur in the best kept koi ponds and does not depend on water quality or fish health.

The first signs are small, white pin-prick looking growths that occur on their fins and skin and at this early stage can be mistaken for Ich/Ick (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis). However, it soon clumps together and forms a cauliflower-like growth on the skin, fins and occasionally the gills.

<div class="content"><p><span style="font-size: small;">Defra has today announced that following a lengthy consultation exercise and evaluation of the possible benefits and likelihood of success, it has been concluded an eradication programme will not be undertaken for KHV disease in England and Wales.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">This means that Category V (infected) status will be assumed immediately for England and Wales. A thorough impact assessment&nbsp; concluded that this is the most pragmatic approach after considering the likelihood of success in trying to eradicate the disease. However, we shall be keeping this decision under review.

There are only a few diseases that affect aquatic plants, the main one being fungal leaf spot. One attacks waterlilies and causes spots on the leaves that sometimes develop into dark patches and dry, brown edges. The affected leaves should be removed by hand as this is the only alternative to spraying with fungcides, which is not an option if there are fish in the pond.
Irises can also get leaf spot, it shows itself as random brown spots that sometimes elongate into brown streaks following the direction of the veins. Leaves can be removed as before, however, if they are far enough from the water to prevent any drift a wide-spectrum fungicide can be used if the disease is caught early enough. Follow manufacturers instructions and used on a very still day.