ISOLATION OF SPRING VIRAEMIA OF CARP VIRUS (SVC)

From Defra Press Office, 12 March 2008.

Recent routine import checks have identified Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC) virus in goldfish imported from a supplier in Hong Kong (Tung Hoi Aquarium Co, Hong Kong)

SVC has no implications for human health. It is nonetheless, a serious viral disease affecting common and ornamental carp, as well as a variety of other species including tench, roach, rudd, goldfish, pike and wels catfish.

The virus was found in a random sample taken directly from imported boxes of fish. The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) at Cefas has placed movement controls on, and taken samples from, all sites receiving fish from the SVC positive consignment. The FHI has also provided advice to other businesses, which may have recently imported fish from the same source, to increase awareness of any potential SVC risk.

The Authorities in the exporting country have been informed of the isolation of SVC and they are conducting investigations to identify the source of the infection. Importation of fish from the affected source will be prohibited pending the conclusion of these investigations.

The clinical signs of SVC can include darkening of the skin, swollen eyes, abdominal swelling, pale gills, trailing faecal casts and protrusion of the anus. Infected fish may be lethargic and show areas of bleeding in the gills and skin.

Anyone noting deaths in carp or any other species susceptible to SVC, with signs of disease similar to those above, should immediately contact the Cefas Fish Health Inspectorate at the Weymouth laboratory on 01305 206673/4

Anyone who imports, keeps or retails carp or other susceptible fish should take strict precautions to prevent the spread of SVC and follow the advice set out in Defra's booklet "Keep Fish Disease Out", available from the Cefas Fish Health Inspectorate or through the following website: www.efishbusiness.com.

SVC is widespread in continental Europe. In 1998, there was a major outbreak in England and Wales with 40 sites affected. Prior to 1998, only 4 cases had been recorded in Great Britain. Previous recent cases include:

2001 - 1 case
2002 - 4 cases
2003 - 2 cases
2004 - 2 cases
2005 - 1 case
2006 - 0 case
2007 - 1 case

As far as imports are concerned, SVC has been detected in legally introduced consignments of fish on 5 separate occasions prior to this incident, since 1998.

Further information is available at www.efishbusiness.co.uk, from fishhealth@defra.gsi.gov.uk or from Cefas, Fish Health Inspectorate, Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB.
Tel 01305 2006673/74, fax 01305 206602, email fish.health.inspectorate@cefas.co.uk