Disease found at trout farm

The presence of Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS) has been confirmed at a trout farm in North Yorkshire. VHS is a notifiable disease which affects mainly farmed rainbow trout, and can cause significant fish mortality.

Due to the serious nature of VHS, it is standard policy to place controls on entire river catchments on confirmation of the disease.

Defra has issued an Order under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937, prohibiting movements of fish to and from the catchment of the River Ouse.

Cefas is currently undertaking an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection and whether any spread has occurred. Wild and farmed fish are being sampled within the catchment to determine the extent of spread of the infection. The site has been cleared of fish (which have been sent for disposal at an approved rendering plant) and the site is now being prepared for disinfection.

Once the disease situation is fully under control certain fish movements may be allowed to take place in the affected area with the supervision of the Cefas Fish Health Inspectorate.

Great Britain is currently designated by the EU as an 'Approved Zone' free of VHS which allows safeguards to be placed to minimise the risk of introduction of the disease through trade. This outbreak requires that this status is suspended until it can be redefined to exclude the affected Ouse catchment area. Currently the UK will be unable to trade live fish with VHS free 'Approved Zones' throughout the EU Community.

The live fish movement restriction does not apply to the movement of ornamental fish to or from pet shops and aquaria.

VHS has no implications for human health.