Disease restricts fish movement

Symptoms include bleeding gills and sunken eyes

The movement of fish in and out of a farm in Kent has been restricted following the outbreak of a disease.

Defra confirmed on Wednesday that a number of fish had died from Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) at Shirkoak Farm, Woodchurch, near Ashford.

The disease can cause high death rates in fish, and affects the common carp and carp varieties such as Koi.

A spokeswoman for Defra said there was no risk of the condition being passed on to humans.

Symptoms of the disease include bleeding gills, white patches on gills or skin, sunken eyes and hyperactive behaviour.

An area order was placed on Shirkoak Farm after samples were taken from the fishery.

Defra has urged anyone who suspects their fish have contracted KHV to report it to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas).