Carp Pox – Also known as Cyprinid Herpesvirus 1 (CyHV1)

What is Carp Pox?

Carp pox is an extremely common viral infection which acts similar to chicken pox and shingles in humans. Carp pox is highly contagious and usually erupts with an outbreak at times of stress. Although the visual looks of carp pox are unpleasant, it is usually harmless to your fish and is non-fatal. With a mortality rate of zero. This being said if the lesions burst this does leave your fish susceptible to additional illnesses which can drastically affect the health of your fish.

Carp pox can be hereditary and can be passed from parent to child. This virus can live in your fish dormant for many weeks, months and even years. However, if an outbreak does occur, the virus can cause a long-lasting infection which affects the skin. Carp pox causes an abnormal growth of skin cells which appear to be milky or waxy lesions. Although carp pox is non-fatal it can cause difficulties with the fishes’ ability to eat and breathe if the gills and mouth have been affected by the growths.

The sores that do grow on the fish can cover a large amount of your fish, but it is extremely uncommon for the to cover the whole fish. Even with the virus lying dormant in the fish, as the immune system matures and develops, the less likely it is for an outbreak of carp pox to happen.

How to identify and diagnose carp pox.

Carp pox has a distinct appearance which can make the identification visually effective.

The fish affected by carp pox may appear to be:

  • To have a duller complexion compared to normal.
  • To have developed waxy spots which can be white or pink in colour.
  • To have a reduction in food intake due to discomfort.
  • To be hiding, isolating themselves from the rest of your livestock.
  • To be swimming alone as opposed to swimming with any other members of the pond.

If the lesions have burst further investigation will take place to ensure there are no additional problems.

The pond medic may not advise a mucous scrape depending on the severity of the lesions and if it is deemed safe to do so.

Causes

Koi pox is not deadly however it is a dormant viral infection. There are two deadly viruses of the same nature.

  • Cyprinid herpes virus 2 (CyHV2)
  • Cyprinid herpes virus 3 (CyHV3)

Your fish cannot catch strains two and three from strain one (Carp pox)

However, the ways in which CyHV1 is spread are:

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  • Genetically
  • Direct contact with a burst sore, or a sore has burst within the pond environment.

The main triggers for an outbreak of this dormant virus are:

  • Low temperatures
  • Stress
  • An underlying illness which your fish is suffering from.
  • Compromised immune system.
  • Poor water quality
  • Lack of nutritious food.
  • Poor preparation of your pond for the winter months.

How contagious is Carp Pox?

Extremely contagious – A burst lesion can spread the virus throughout your pond.

Treatment

Carp pox have no direct treatment asides from allowing the virus to take its course, however the pond medic will devise a treatment plan to help reduce the symptoms and prevent further complication.

  • It may be beneficial to isolate your infected fish into a separate tank, however this may be futile if any of the lesions have already burst.
  • Raising the temperature of the pond is preferable but not always practical.
  • Feeding your fish an adequate nutritious diet to ensure they are getting the appropriate nutrients.
  • Correcting any water quality issues.
  • Reducing any factors that can be elevating stress levels for your fish.

Prevention

In order to help prevent an outbreak, there are some factors that we can put in place to help reduce the risk of a carp pox outbreak.

The first is to attain and maintain perfect water quality conditions.

The second is to feed your fish a healthy balanced nutritious feed.

Lastly is to ensure that your pond has been appropriately prepared for the chilly weather and winter months with an essential winter maintenance.

If you are in doubt….Do not delay! Call the pond medic today!