Koi Herpes Breakthrough

June 2007

For the 3.5 million UK homeowners who keep ornamental fish, the mere mention of the deadly Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) can strike fear into their hearts, and for good reason. KHV is an infectious, viral disease that can spread through a fish population in days, often decimating entire schools of fish. Signs that fish may be infected with KHV include gill mottling with red and white patches, bleeding gills, sunken eyes and blisters on the skin. If left unchecked, a single fish infected with the Koi Herpes Virus can infect over 80% of the pond population within 48hours leading to almost total mortality of the infected within 14 days.

A Pharmaceutical company which has been investigating the herpes strain since 1996 has recently announced that it is on the verge of a breakthrough cure for the Koi Herpes Virus. Henderson Morely, based in Birmingham, has said that it is in late stage discussions with another company and plans to licence the KHV vaccine shortly.

This news comes as a welcome relief for many Koi Carp owners who have often spent thousands of pounds on the construction of specialised ponds and feed for these prestigious, pedigree fish.