[MikeM]

This morning I reviewed the websites of several U.S. dealers I consider reputable to see what they might say about their QT process. I found very little information. Quality Koi references its bio-security and having tested KHV-free. USA Koi details its QT and makes reference to warming water and to buying from fewer breeders to limit exposure opportunities to KHV. Most sites make no reference to their QT process and if some mention of QT is even made, there are no specifics. (I did not review everyone, so I'm sure I overlooked some detailing of QT by a well-known dealer; and there could be something hidden among all the 'stuff' even on sites I did review. I did not look at every page of every site... just the pages that sounded like there might be something.)

Hobbyists should be concerned about these processes. At the same time, I'm sure dealers do not want to create fear by talking about KHV. And, some may have a challenge if there are different processes for different grades of koi. The customer for a $50 tosai probably isn't going to be excited to learn individualized assessment is not feasible at that price level. [Let's see.... 'We sample test to provide you peace of mind that all koi under 10" you buy from us are parasite and KHV-free. For koi priced over $1,000, we scrape and scope each fish, have blood samples of each tested and provide you the certified test results that your koi tested negative for KHV.'.... hmmmmm.]

As the concern over KHV mounts, and the internet is going to keep it mounting with every backyard outbreak getting attention, I think dealers will need to be more proactive in communicating their QT processes.

Personally, I have not acquired a fish in the past few years without knowing how the fish was being QT'd, examined, etc. Then I made my judgment call. I have no concern about Quality Koi/Nisei Koi Farm because I know their bio-security (and all the scraping/scoping and examination they do). I do not feel a need for individualized KHV testing on their fish. Dealers importing from multiple Japanese breeders are in a different category. No matter what else they do, I want the individualized blood test before the fish gets near my pond. (I have had Kevin get the test done. I believe the charge is fair considering everything. It extends the QT period, but I can be patient.)

The AKCA Best Health Practices program may help dealers with these concerns, but whether a dealer signs up for BHP or not, communicating KHV prevention/detection processes is going to be increasingly important for dealer success.