As SVC, the coldwater fish disease scare spreads, dealers cull all their stock in order to keep trading

Last month Practical Fishkeeping Magazine reported that a shipment of ornamental coldwater fish from the Tung Hoi Aquarium Company in Hongkong was found to be infected with the deadly disease Spring Viraemia of Carp. It took nearly two weeks for the results of laboratory tests to verify the diagnosis during which time up to 20 dealers had already taken delivery of some of the fish, mixed them with their stock and had started selling them.

Immediately the tests results were announced, the fish fish and all the dealers who had received consignments were issued with movement control orders from the Fish Health Inspectorate, whilst tests were made on the sites where the fish had been delivered. Practical Fishkeeping reports however that some dealers opted to cull all their stock rather than wait two weeks for the test results. This was supervised by the FHI to ensure the humane destruction and disposal of the fish and the thorough disinfection of the premises according to the FHI guidelines.

SYMPTOMS OF SVC

Spring Viraemia of Carp only affects coldwater fish. As the name suggests these are specifically Carp, Koi Carp and also Goldfish, but also Tench, Rudd, Pike and Wels.

Symptoms include a distinct lethargy and possible bleeding on the skin and gills. There is a general darkening of the skin, swollen eyes and abdominal swelling. The gills may be pale with faeces trailing from a prtruding anus.

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