Vineyard near Stourbridge issues update after serious viral fish disease found in fishing pools
A vineyard near Stourbridge has issued an update reassuring visitors that its fishing pools are now clear of a serious viral fish disease that was discovered in June.
The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) said Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease affecting all varieties of carp had been found at fishing pools at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate at Bobbington.
KHV is a serious viral disease of fish that affects all varieties of common and ornamental carp species and can result in large scale mortalities. Fish with the disease may show signs of necrotic patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous and sunken eyes, especially when water temperatures are between 16 to 28°C.
Anyone who suspects an outbreak of KHV is urged to report it to the FHI but it does not carry a risk to public health.
The FHI said disease controls had been applied to all waters at the vineyard, located in South Staffordshire, eight miles from Wolverhampton.
However, the vineyard’s fishery manager has stressed the discovery of the disease was an isolated incident reported in June and said the issue has been fully resolved and remedied.
Michael Godsafe, fishery manager at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, said: “Halfpenny Green Wine Estate’s fishing pools have been completely clear of Koi herpesvirus (KHV) since an isolated incident was reported in June and is fully open for business.
“This has been the case for approximately six weeks, with the issue being successfully remedied and fully resolved in June.
“The fisheries did have a case in its top pool on June 11 (KHV), which we identified ourselves through our own maintenance checks and due diligence processes. All three pools were closed as a precaution immediately.
“As soon as we suspected the case, we called the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) who contacted the Environment Agency, who then carried out necessary autopsies on a small number of carp.
“One case of KHV was confirmed, and we served 14 clear days without another case being reported, at which time the Environment Agency revisited to investigate further. After satisfying their follow-up checks and proving that the case was an isolated incident, the confirmed designation was immediately lifted and we were permitted to reopen.
“Halfpenny Green Wine Estate can confirm that our fishing pools operate to the most stringent standards and self-governance policy, adhering to an extremely comprehensive water maintenance programme.
“As such, we are confident there will be no more incidents in future and anglers can continue to enjoy some of the best fishing conditions in the area.”
