A serious viral fish disease affecting all varieties of carp has been found in fishing pools at a vineyard near Stourbridge.
The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) have found Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease in fish at the fishing pools at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate at Bobbington.
Fishing pools at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, Bobbington
KHV is a serious viral disease of fish that affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species and can result in large scale mortalities.Â
Fish with KHV disease may show signs of necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous and sunken eyes, especially when water temperatures are between 16 to 28°C.
There is no risk to public health but anyone who suspects an outbreak of KHV is urged to report it to the FHI.
Diseased carp
Sites found to have the disease must undergo a formal monitoring programme immediately in the event of the outbreak, according to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), with the FHI introducing statutory controls restricting movement of aquatic animals to limit the spread of the disease.
Disease controls have been applied at Halfpenny Green Vineyard Pools, the FHI confirmed.
One of the fishing lakes at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate at Bobbington
The designation, signed by the Secretary of State, has been applied to all waters at the vineyard, which is located in South Staffordshire, eight miles from Wolverhampton.
It states that no one can move any live aquatic animal including, eggs and gametes, into, out of or within a confirmed designation area, or dispose of any dead fish, eggs and gametes. There are also restrictions on moving equipment or transport likely to transmit disease.
Halfpenny Green Wine Estate has been contacted for comment.