Viruses are contracted in multiple ways. This could be through direct contact with another fish which is currently infected. The virus could be either airborne or waterborne, the virus could be spread by faecal matter. Or even by the fish eating a fish that has the virus.

Viruses are contagious and they will spread throughout your pond, and they do have the capability to affect all your livestock. Viruses can live in the pond for periods of up to 14 days after your fish have been infected and contracted the illness. This is dependent on the type of virus that is affecting the fish.

The only way to determine the type of virus that is affecting your livestock would be to seek help from the pond medic, who can advise on how to help to alleviate the symptoms that your fish are exhibiting. In addition to this the pond medic can ensure whether the virus is the only ailment affecting the fish or if there is a secondary illness that may require attention.

In some cases, the symptoms of the virus may not become apparent for 4 weeks after catching the virus.

Although viruses normally pass without complications, dependent on the virus the mortality rate can vary.

The treatment for viruses is:

  • To quarantine the affected fish.
  • Allow the fish to rest.
  • Test the water quality to ensure the environment is at its best to boost the natural immune system of the fish.
  • Monitor the fish to ensure the symptoms are improving not deteriorating.

Please note that viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Please call for further advice.

Do not delay call the pond medic today.