International workshop on KHV

24 May 2004

In February 2004, an international workshop on koi herpesvirus (and related) disease took place in the U.K. The objectives were: to assess the current status of the disease regarding its impact on the ornamental fish sector; discuss the practical management of the disease throughout the ornamental fish supply chain; and discuss the trans-national research priorities for a better comprehension, diagnostic and management of the disease. The major conclusions were: that the industry should develop a self-regulatory process; that standardised diagnostic tests be developed and implemented globally; that it is imperative to clearly establish where and in what species the disease is present; and that research priorities (including a better understanding of the immune system response to KHV, and vaccine development) be established and acted on through collaboration between scientists in all affected countries. The bottom line is that international cooperation will be essential to combat this increasingly important disease.in the long term. 

The full report and many of the presentations can be downloaded from: http://www.frmltd.com/Workshop_KHV.htm See also pieces on KHV in Intervet AAH Newsletters 6 and 7.