A national health surveillance programme is in place for diseases which are listed under EU aquatic animal health legislation (Council Directive 2006/88/EC) and other diseases of national importance.
Two targeted disease surveillance programmes are in place for Oyster Herpes Virus OsHV1-uvar and Koi Herpes Virus (KHV)
Surveillance Programme for Oyster Herpes Virus
From 1st May 2011 Commission Decision (2011/187/EU) brings into effect national measures to prevent the introduction of ostreid herpesvirus 1 μνar (OsHV-1 μνar) into certain areas of Ireland and the United Kingdom which are free from the virus.
Commission Regulation (2011/350/EU), which amends Regulation (EC) No 1251/2008, relating to requirements for placing Pacific oysters on the market in Member States, also came into effect 1st May 2011.
The attached document provides guidance on the implementation of this decision in Ireland.
The main objective of the Commission Decision is to protect areas within the Community which are free from OsHV-1 uvar. This will be achieved by:
- Targeted health surveillance programme - C. gigas movements will NOT be permitted between surveillance areas and infected bays
For advice on disinfection procedures and disinfectants that can be used against the oyster herpes virus OsHV1-uvar, click here.
Irish Surveillance Programme for Koi Herpes Virus
A surveillance programme for koi herpes virus (KHV), came into effect 22nd March 2010 under Commission Decision 2010/171/EC . All consignments of susceptible species coming to Ireland now need to be certified as free of KHV.
The objective of the surveillance programme for KHV is to assess Ireland's status in relation to KHV (Ireland is currently Category III) and thereafter achieve Category I status (freedom) for the entire country, following successful completion of the programme.
Our objective is to achieve national freedom from KHV following successful completion of the programme, thereby giving Ireland the highest health status in Europe with respect to this disease (Category I status as defined in Fish Health Directive 2006/88/EC). The programme will run for at least two years.
Target sites and species for KHV Surveillance
The Surveillance Programme is jointly operated between the Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). As part of the programme, all farms, cropping waters and put-and-take fisheries which hold susceptible species will be screened for the disease.
The target species for the surveillance programme is Cyprinus carpio, which includes Common and Mirror carp. Koi carp will not specifically be targeted due to their high value, unless they are the only population present, or they display clinical signs of disease or farm records suggest investigation is warranted.
One sampling inspection will be carried out each year, during which at least 30 fish will be screened according to the methodology described in Chapter 2.3.6 of the 2009 OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals. 2,010 samples will be collected during August and September at sites throughout the country.
For more information on the KHV Surveillance Programme, contact the Marine Institute Fish Health Unit, telephone 091 387200 or email fhu@marine.ie