Is there any link between KHV and H5N1 "bird flu" viruses?

[koibito]

Hi guys,

About two years ago, I lost nearly 90% of my kois due to some kind of viruses. Every morning, I scooped out about 2-4 dead kois. It really hurt to see your favorite kois gone forever. Finally, I drained out the pond and refilled it with new water. When the pond was clear, I noticed that there were some missing kois from the pond that I had never scooped out. Either these kois were sucked into the pumped and grinded up or maybe they were picked up by some crows or herons. So, the question is if these dead kois were infected with KHV and swallowed by the herons, would these KHV mutate into H5N1 viruses or would these KHV eventually kill the herons?

Thanks.

[marco]

Quote: Originally Posted by koibito Hi guys, About two years ago, I lost nearly 90% of my kois due to some kind of viruses. Every morning, I scooped out about 2-4 dead kois. It really hurt to see your favorite kois gone forever. Finally, I drained out the pond and refilled it with new water. When the pond was clear, I noticed that there were some missing kois from the pond that I had never scooped out. Either these kois were sucked into the pumped and grinded up or maybe they were picked up by some crows or herons. So, the question is if these dead kois were infected with KHV and swallowed by the herons, would these KHV mutate into H5N1 viruses or would these KHV eventually kill the herons? Thanks.

Actually, for what we know about H5N1 virus, this virus is a herpes virus with all the specifity of birds herpes virus. The herpes virus familly can mutate easely, but the mutation they should make to pass from a fish to a bird is really too big.
Marco

[koibito]

Thanks a lot for your response Marco.

Can you be more elaborate on the different between the two viruses or what do we know about them as of present? Can you post some photos of the virus if you have any? I am planning on purchasing a microscope to study more about the KHV, what magnification level do you recommend for a decent microscope? Is there any risk to human to handle kois that are infected with KHV?

Thanks very much.

[marco]

Quote: Originally Posted by koibito Thanks a lot for your response Marco. Can you be more elaborate on the different between the two viruses or what do we know about them as of present? Can you post some photos of the virus if you have any? I am planning on purchasing a microscope to study more about the KHV, what magnification level do you recommend for a decent microscope? Is there any risk to human to handle kois that are infected with KHV? Thanks very much.

The difference between the two virus is done by really specialist. When you compere the ADN and ARN of different virus affecting a specific animal, you'll always find a little sequence on ADN or ARN wich is specific for that animal. Tha's why specialist can determinate wich animal the virus could affect.
If you want to see virus on microscope, you need an electronic one and you might have to sell your house to have enough money to buy an occasion one.
And finaly, there is no risk for human to handle Koï infected by KHV, eccept for the monney you'll lose.
Marco