Biosecure KOI Dossier

1. To date, at least three known strains of KHV exist, each with differing symptoms and differing rates and percentages of mortality. The number of variants is most likely much higher. (Takashi Aoki et al, 2007)
2. KHV is highly contagious and can produce high (80% to nearly 100%) mortality in diseased populations of Koi and common carp (A. Dishon et al., 2005)
3. Neither the “immunisation” process nor the present vaccine that is used in Israel has categorically been proven effective for all three strains of KHV.
4. There is to date, no definitive test that proves whether a fish is an active carrier of KHV.
5. The virus can remain persistent and hidden in the organs of the host, without any expression of viral pathology for long periods of time. (A. Dishon et al. 2005)
6. Survivors of KHV are potential carriers. (S. St-Hilaire et al, 2005)
7. Research has shown the presence of asymptomatic KHV in goldfish and other aquatic species, leading to conjecture that these may be hosts and/or carriers of KHV. (J. Sadler et al, 2008, M. El-Matbouli et al, 2007, Kirsten Meyer, 2007).