Fish orders changed after tests

Trout movements are restricted by government order

Fish farmers facing bankruptcy with the imposition of a total ban on live fish movements in North Yorkshire have been thrown a lifeline by the government.

More than 30 farms were hit by the emergency order, after the discovery of the deadly viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHS) at Nidderdale.

The first round of tests across the area have proved negative and Defra says some fish movement can take place.

Fish farmers have to apply to the Fish Health Inspectorate for permission.

Tens of millions of baby fish are facing slaughter as they cannot be moved from fish nurseries to restock those trout farms which kill and gut their fish on the premises, and are exempt from movement regulations.

The virus has no implications for human health but is deadly to fish, particularly rainbow trout.

Urgent talks

Defra says the movement of ornamental fish to or from pet shops and aquaria is not restricted.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) - formerly the Country Landowners' Association - which is representing the interests of the fish farmers, says it welcomes the relaxation of the quarantine restrictions.

"It is a step that recognises the plight of Yorkshire's fish farmers, but their businesses are still very much at risk in the longer term," the CLA said.

The crisis has arisen through no fault of the fish farmers Dorothy Fairburn, CLA Regional Director

"It is the sustainability of Yorkshire's fish farming industry on which the entire country is hugely dependent which concerns us and why the CLA is engaged in urgent talks with the government."

The CLA said that few realised until the outbreak the value and contribution of Yorkshire aquaculture. The region provided an estimated 50% of all the UK's restocking trout and 20% of trout for the table.

"We are meeting government minister Ben Bradshaw to explore options that may prevent many of the fish farmers going out of business. This is a case of the national interest being served," said the CLA's regional director, Dorothy Fairburn.

"It is not the result of a normal business risk and the crisis has arisen through no fault of the fish farmers."

Meanwhile further Defra tests are under way across the county, the results of which are expected some time in July.