Fish health inspectors from the Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) inspected a shellfish farm in Whitstable following reports of high levels of mortality in Pacific rock oysters.
Samples taken from the site were confirmed as positive for herpesvirus.
The Swale, Thames and north Kent coast have been declared a containment area, a report in Your Canterbury says.
Herpesvirus in Kent Oysters
UK - Catching oysters off the Kent coast has been restricted following an outbreak of herpesvirus.