Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease - Health Status for England and Wales

Defra has today announced that following a lengthy consultation exercise and evaluation of the possible benefits and likelihood of success, it has been concluded an eradication programme will not be undertaken for KHV disease in England and Wales.

This means that Category V (infected) status will be assumed immediately for England and Wales. A thorough impact assessment (PDF) concluded that this is the most pragmatic approach after considering the likelihood of success in trying to eradicate the disease. However, we shall be keeping this decision under review.

Adoption of category V status will mean no changes to the control regime currently in place. Passive surveillance will continue, the disease will remain notifiable and existing control arrangements will stay in place when an outbreak is confirmed.

Imports of susceptible species from countries outside the European Union and movements from other Member States will continue in line with the rules that currently apply. However, movements of susceptible species will not be possible from GB to areas of a higher health status in other Member States. The exception being those movements from compartments in GB (eg individual farms) which have gained KHV disease free status (category I).

Further information about KHV including measures to be introduced for dealing with the disease is available (PDF).