Deadly fish disease found in county lakes

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AN outbreak of a deadly fish disease that can result in “largescale mortalities” has been detected in Staffordshire lakes.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease has been found in two bodies of water in the county, with environment bosses enforcing restrictions to stop it spreading.

The affected lakes are Fisherwick Lakes, in Fisherwick

Wood Lane, Whittington, near Lichfield; and Coppice Lane Pools, in Coppice Lane, Hammerwich, near Burntwood.

A statement from the Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science outlines that there is no risk to the public health of the county’s human population.

A spokesman said: “KHV is a serious viral disease of fish and is a listed disease in the UK. It affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species and can result in large-scale deaths.

“Fish with KHV disease may show signs, especially when water temperatures are between 16 to 28 °C, of necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills and rough patches on the skin.”