Defra strengthens VHS precautions

UK - As a precautionary measure,UK rural affairs department Defra has re-designated the Ouse catchment area around the Viral Haemorragic Septicaemia (VHS) outbreak in North Yorkshire as 'potentially infected waters'.

There have been no new cases, but this change means that the Fish Health Inspectorate has the legal power to put in place stricter biosecurity measures to reduce the potential spread of the disease if necessary. All fish farms in the designated area have also been named on the Order.

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture (Cefas) is currently undertaking an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection and whether any spread has occurred. Wild and farmed fish are being sampled within the catchment to determine the extent of spread of the infection.

The infected site has been cleared of fish (which have been sent for disposal at an approved rendering plant). Once the disease situation has been fully investigated certain fish movements may be allowed to take place in the affected area with the supervision of the Cefas Fish Health Inspectorate.

Source: Fish Farmer Magazine