Initiative launched to combat the koi herpes virus in carp stocks in Saxony

The koi herpes virus (KHV) has spread more strongly in Saxony's carp stocks this year - a new initiative is intended to help combat the disease. This was announced by the Ministry of Social Affairs. To this end, the state fishing association wants to carry out a status survey together with the ministry and the animal disease insurance fund. To this end, a questionnaire will be uploaded to the website and the veterinary and agricultural authorities will be asked to pass it on.

"The planned questionnaire initiative can help to better understand and uncover the links in the infection chains," said Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). An evaluation will then be carried out towards the end of the year.

Compared to last year, the number of affected companies has increased this year. As of October 1 this year, 11 farms with a total of 498 hectares of pond area were affected by KHV cases. In 2023, such cases were detected in 10 farms with a total of 286 hectares of pond area. The virus leads to considerable losses in carp production, which jeopardizes fish production in Saxony. However, the virus is harmless to humans.