From June 2026, the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) will introduce significant changes to how Koi herpesvirus (KHV) is managed in recreational fisheries throughout England and Wales. This revised approach moves away from automatic statutory disease controls at these sites, instead adopting a more proportionate and risk-based strategy informed by extensive evidence gathered over more than 15 years.
The FHI's decision is based on findings that KHV is already endemic and widespread within wild fish populations and recreational fisheries across the two nations. Crucially, scientific reviews have indicated that existing statutory controls at these recreational sites have not demonstrably influenced the pathogen's spread or reduced the frequency of outbreaks. Instead, outbreaks are primarily influenced by environmental conditions and stress, with good fishery management and biosecurity practices proving more effective in mitigating impact.
Under the new system, the legal obligation to report any suspicion or confirmation of KHV to the FHI, as mandated by the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009, will remain firmly in place. Upon receiving a report of suspected KHV, the FHI will continue to assess, record, and monitor the situation. If the affected species, water temperature, clinical signs, and mortality patterns are consistent with KHV and there are no indications of other listed or emerging diseases, the FHI will maintain contact with the fishery operator, provide biosecurity advice, and monitor the clinical picture.
However, if the disease risk changes or another listed or emerging disease is suspected, the FHI reserves the right to take further action. This could include conducting an investigation into the disease's introduction and spread, collecting samples for testing at the Cefas Weymouth Laboratory, and implementing appropriate disease control measures. It is important to note that full KHV disease outbreak investigations and controls will continue to be applied at authorised aquaculture production businesses and other sites involved in fish movements, such as fish farms, importers, and wholesalers.
The Environment Agency (EA) will also continue to play a crucial role in fisheries management. During a KHV outbreak, the EA may work with fishery operators, offering advice and guidance on management practices. They will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, whether to authorise activities like fish movements using their statutory regulatory powers, decisions which are separate from the FHI's disease control responsibilities. Fishery operators will also have the option to undertake private diagnostic testing to support their own site management decisions.