Koi Bac, which we have used for some time in conjunction with our pond side services, has just been added to the range of products we market in order to provide an instantly active, industrial strength nitrifying bacteria available to our clients. This will help to provide a rapid solution to the problems of ammonia and nitrite should you have filter ‘start-up’ problems in your pond.

Developed & manufactured by Hydrotech, Koi bac is a very effective filter start/ booster. It is used by the Trade to help maintain water quality and reduce shock filter loadings during the arrival of new fish at their premises. We find it particularly useful when moving Koi for our Clients to re-stock in new ponds.

The additive contains a highly concentrated pure bacterial culture, designed to provide instant nitrification. This is ideal for adding to new filter systems, when adding new fish and for the quarantine system.

The product will be chilled when sent out to you by courier and should be fine for at least 10 days if kept in a fridge at 4 deg.C. However, we recommend that it is used as soon as possible and should be applied evenly over three successive days, storing the unused portion of the Koi bac in the fridge during treatment. A 500ml bottle treats approximately 1000 gallons (4500 litres) and can be seen in the water treatment part of our Products Section.

Should you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CEFAS have detected the virus which causes SVC during the routine screening of imported ornamental fish. The sample, which was taken in the middle of February was confirmed positive earlier this week.

Mainland UK is classified as an eradication zone for SVC whilst in Ireland and the off shore islands of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, these areas are classified as disease free zones. The fish originated from a source in Hong Kong and the Chinese authorities have a control plan for their fish farms. There may be some import restrictions as a result of this that DEFRA may wish to implement.

Although it is most unlikely that anybody reading this notice will ever come across this disease, we must all be aware and vigilant in our fight to protect our freshwater fish stocks from SVC.

What is Spring Viraemia of Carp?

Spring Viraemia of Carp or SVC is a contagious viral disease of carp and other fish of the cyprinid family (goldfish, roach, rudd, tench) pike and Wels catfish. The disease generally develops as water temperatures rise above 7°C – hence the name spring viraemia. There is no cure for the disease. Fish of all ages are susceptible if they have not previously been exposed to the virus. The UK is normally free of SVC so our fish are very vulnerable to it.

Does SVC affect carp only?

SVC affects common carp (including all variants, such as mirror, leather and koi carp), grass carp, bighead carp, silver carp, crucian carp, goldfish, orfe, pike, roach, rudd, tench and Wels catfish. Fish of all ages are susceptible if previously unexposed to the virus. The disease is transmitted from fish to fish by contact. Carrier fish spread the virus through their faeces, urine, reproductive fluids or external mucus secretions.

When does it occur?

SVC outbreaks generally develop as water temperatures rise above 7°C, i.e. in spring. Most deaths occur between 10°C and 15°C. Above 17°C, deaths reduce significantly. Above 23°C, death is rare but the virus can remain viable within the fish.

How do I recognise the disease?
Signs of the disease vary but can include darkening of the skin, swollen eyes, abdominal swelling (dropsy), pale gills, trailing faeces casts and protrusion of the anus. Infected fish may be lethargic and show signs of bleeding from the gills and skin. They tend to gather in the margins and around inlets and feeder streams. Of course, not all suspicious deaths are caused by SVC. Virus isolation in the laboratory is needed to confirm the disease.

What’s the cure?

There isn’t one! The only protection from SVC is prevention. There is no treatment or licensed vaccine available in the UK.

What must I do if I suspect my fishery is infected with SVC?

If you suspect the presence of SVC, or any other notifiable disease, then you must inform the Fish Health Inspectorate who can be contacted at:

England and Wales
Fish Health Inspectorate
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (CEFAS), Weymouth Laboratory
Barrack Road, The Nothe
Weymouth
Dorset DT4 8UB
Tel: 01305 206673
Website: www.efishbusiness com

Scotland
Fisheries Research Services
Marine Laboratory
PO Box 101, Victoria Road
Aberdeen AB11 9DB
Tel: 01224 876544
Website: www.frs-scotland.gov.uk

If you are at all worried about your Koi, their behaviour or any other matter relating to your pond, do not hesitate to call (01243 572762) Rod, Gerry or David. Help is always on hand.

Days are starting to get longer and the pond temperatures are getting warmer – Spring, at last, is on its way.

For Koi keepers, there is a host of work to be carried out at this time of year in preparation for the warmer weather with increased activity of our Koi and our pond ecosystem. Time spent now will reap large rewards later in the season. The last thing you (or your Koi) want is an equipment breakdown in mid- summer when you are away on your holiday and the neighbour is doing his best to look after your treasured Koi.

Looking at the Pond & Environment now is the time to:

• Clean and vacuum the pond.
• Strip and clean pumps.
• Check all valves and pipework – now is the time to undertake those changes before the heavier feeding starts and the filtration system builds up efficiency.
• Re-direct / re-connect waterfalls which have been bypassed during the cold winter spells.
• Clean and flush the filters – use pond water and clean alternative biological bays at weekly intervals.
• Reinstate any reduced air supplies.
• Replace the UV clarifier tube so its at peak performance when during the summer.
• Test the water – this is most important when the feeding protocol changes (ie increased feeding rate or food type).
• Remember that it will take time for the biological filter to build-up again.

Your Koi

Sit by the pond, have a cup of tea or coffee and just watch the Koi for a while – they will tell you if there is a problem.

• Look for any surface blemishes, marks or changes in behaviour.
• If there are any changes, bowl-up and carefully inspect the Koi – invert and look at the underside of the body and the gills.
• Do not treat the pond as a matter of course.
• If you think you may have a parasite problem, check with a microscope and mucous scrape first. If it’s confirmed, select the best medication to treat the problem, bearing in mind water temperatures.
• Keep an eye on the water temperature and feed accordingly. If temperatures look like dropping again, slow the feeding rate.

If you are at all worried about your Koi, their behaviour or any other matter relating to your pond, do not hesitate to call (01243 572762) Rod, Gerry or David. Help is always on hand.