Koi herpesvirus disease

Abstract

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease emerged at the late 1990s, and has rapidly spread to the world. In Japan, KHV disease first occurred at October 2003. The disease resulted in mass mortality of wild carp as well as cultured carp. Until now, KHV-infected carp were found in 42 out of 47 prefectures in Japan. Only carp Cyprinus carpio is susceptible to KHV, while goldfish, closely-related species to carp, is not. The affected carp swim lethargically. Sunken eyes and gill necrosis are frequently noticed, but no marked internal signs are observed. Optimal water temperature for the disease is 18-23 degrees C. Under 13 degrees C or over 28 degrees C, no death occurs. Keep at over 30 degrees C cures KHV disease, but can make the fish latent carriers. Because the fish do not get acquired immunity against KHV disease under low water temperature, the disease recurs with increase of water temperature. Isolation of KHV is difficult. KHV disease is diagnosed through epidemiological investigation, disease signs and PCR detection of KHV DNA. Vaccine development is ongoing for restart of culturing carp at KHV-contaminated places.