Bain Valley Fisheries to reopen following outbreak of deadly carp disease

The site was subject to statutory controls to prevent or limit the spread of the disease, after the disease was first spotted in fish at the Halifax lake two weeks ago.

The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) at Cefas, acting on behalf of Defra, had issued a confirmed designation prohibiting the movement of fish to, from and within the fishery complex.

The disease has no implications for human health, but it is a serious viral disease of fish and affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp - and can result in high rates of fish mortalities.

Owner Steve Leggate told the Horncastle News that all lakes, except the Halifax lake, would be back open from 6am tomorrow (Saturday).

Mr Leggate said: “We only had a few fish deaths, a small percentage.

“Everything is alright now, but the match lake (Halifax lake) is closed until further notice.”

He added that it was his decision to keep the Halifax lake closed for the time being - just to be on the safe side.

A report published by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science noted that fishery owner had reported the problem for further investigation and had voluntarily closed the affected water in advance of official controls.

• Clinical signs of KHV disease can include white or necrotic patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin, sloughing mucous and sunken eyes. Anyone noting deaths in carp or carp hybrids, with signs of disease similar to those above, should immediately contact the Fish Health Inspectorate. Anyone who imports, keeps, fishes for, or retails carp and carp hybrids should take precautions to prevent the spread of KHV.