KHV at Momotaro

[Mike Snaden]

After talking to Brian Sousa on the phone, he has asked me to copy the following news from my website, to avoid someone else doing so, and blowing things out of proportion...

I am really sorry to bring news that KHV has been found in Momotaro Koi Farm during tests carried out by the Japanese Examination Hall. At present, it seems that only Nisai Koi from one greenhouse are affected, but further testing is being carried out. These are Koi that have been grown indoors during the Summer months. I feel that it is important that people hear it firsthand, rather than via message boards. I will keep you updated once further tests have been carried out, and hope that this problem can be restricted to just the one greenhouse. If in the future, Momotaro have managed to contain and eradicate the problem, and get a clean bill of health on the remaining ponds and Koi, then it may be possible to ship customers Koi, if the customer feels happy to recieve it. I am hoping for your sympathetic co-operation with Momotaro, and their respective dealers in this matter. Please note that Koi that were shipped in the Spring of 2005 are completely in the clear from KHV.

Your faithfully,

Mike Snaden.

[Regenmeneer]

Thanks for bringing us this news Mike.

This is a very bad thing. To my knowledge this is the first time nishikigoi are affected as opposed to consumption carp.


I'm wondering what the implications will be for export of koi from Japan, the import to the rest of the world, if koi shows will be cancelled again, and on prices of koi, especially after last years earthquake.
Rgds

Regenmeneer

[bekko]

If Momotaro cannot keep KHV out of their facility, then who can? Do they have any theory, guess or excuse about how they became infected?

-steve hopkins

[Regenmeneer]

His facility is right next to the river I know there has been a flooding before, so maybe thats it????????

Regenmeneer

[Bern]

Thanks Mike,

I heard unconfirmed rumours last night and hoped it was yet another scare.

Sad though this is I think you have done the right thing in publishing the facts that you have. My thoughts are with Momo.

I'd almost forgotten about the rumours this morning. I received my copy of the Dutch members mag and there is a picture of happy looking Daisuke holding aloft the GC trophy on the frong page.

When you are in touch let them know we are thinking of them.

PS - I'd looked at your site this morning and when I saw your message I cut and pasted it on KoiChat.

rgds
Bern

[Mike Snaden]

Further to the initial post...

The problem didn't come from the river. Yes, the river was in spate during the typhoon, but not up to farm level.

Apparently, the 1500 ton pond, and 500 ton ponds are in the clear. All other ponds are currently being tested, but hopefully it will be confined to just the one greenhouse. Mud ponds are also seem ok, but won't be harvested until all of the fish houses have the all clear. After harvesting, these Koi will also be tested.

Best regards,

Mike.

[Regenmeneer]

Thanks again Mike for informing us.

I know there have been some shipments recently (tosai), and many people are concerned they are infected as well. When you have any news on whether or not other koi or fishhouses are affected, please let us know.

Rgds

Regenmeneer

[Bern]

I don't think idle speculation helps the cause right now. One of the problems with KHV as I understand it, is that the vectoring, especially the exact point of transfer, is still not 100% certain.

Part of the problem has been that the outbreaks in the past have been swept under the carpet and a cloak of secrecy or smoke and mirrors have been deployed to avoid blame.

Momo's responsible attitude and response might be able to further the cause. They have utilised a more scientific approach to breeding koi, which may work in our favour.

Let's hope so.
rgds
Bern

[Mike Snaden]

I have just got off the phone from Daisuke, and Max from Max Koi Farm (Singapore).

It seems that the situation isn't too bad at Momotaro. Yesterday, the decision was to destroy all Koi in the affected greenhouse. But, a change of plan has been made. This fish house has been carefully isolated, and the Fisheries department are coming back tomorrow to run further tests on Koi adjacent to the infected ponds. But, once testing is complete, the Koi will be destroyed anyway.

Best regards,

Mike.

[Bob Winkler]

Terrible news! Thank you for keeping us updated Mike and Brian....Prayers are with Momotaro Farm.....