A platinum Ogon koi, with skin reddening due to Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 infection
Cyvirus cyprinidallo3, also known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) is a species in the Genus Cyvirus and the order Herpesvirales.[1] It causes a viral disease that is very contagious to the common carpCyprinus carpio.
Pathology
It is most commonly found in ornamental koi, which are often used in outdoor ponds or as feeder stock. The first case of KHV was reported in 1998, but not confirmed until later in 1999.
KHV is a DNA-based virus. After discovery, it was identified as a strain of herpesvirus. Like other strains, KHV stays with the infected fish for the duration of their lives, making the recovered and exposed fish potential carriers of the virus. Koi fish infected with KHV may die within the first 24–48 hours of exposure. The virus is found in 33 countries.[2]
Changes in the specimen's behaviour may also indicate the presence of KHV. Behavioural symptoms may include disorientation, hyperactivity and potentially isolation, in which the specimen detaches themselves from the shoal.[3]
Use as a biological control agent
In 2016 the Australian government announced plans to release the virus into the Murray-Darling basin in an attempt to reduce the number of invasive common carp in the water system.[4][5] However in 2020 this plan was found to be unlikely to work.[6]
References
^"Virus Taxonomy: 2022 Release". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). March 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
