News

Infectious fish diseases such as Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) and Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC) have long been suspected of wiping out carp stocks if allowed to take hold in a water.

Introducing live fish originating from unproven safe stock into a fishery is known to pose the greatest risk of disease transmission. But other causes, such as contaminated angling equipment, have also been thought to pose a risk.

Cefas has commissioned a survey that we hope will shed light on the level of risk posed by anglers' wet nets. The information gleaned may show whether angling equipment has contributed to the spread of disease between fisheries in previous outbreaks.

A Cefas spokeswoman said: "Our online survey (found at http://goo.gl/IDHntK) only takes a few minutes to complete and asks no personal questions. The information we receive could help safeguard fish, and the sport, in the future. So it's in anglers' interest to take part.

"We also hope to use the information to update our advice for anglers, to help them to protect fisheries from disease."

The survey will close on 31st March 2014.
For more information and guidance about fish diseases, visit www.defra.gov.uk/aahm/forms/guidelines-list/