KHV News...

[aquitori]

=To worldwide Nishikigoi lovers and dealers=

We regret very much to inform you that KHV (Koi Herpes Virus) infected Koi have been found from Nishikigoi dealers in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. Fortunately, because it was detected at an early stage and because the Niigata prefectural government and breeders have always secured a crisis-management system, there is little need to worry about the spread of the KHV disease. However, we are taking precautions by confirming with all other breeders. We will be able to give a final report at the beginning of July, but first we would like to give an immediate report.

On Sunday, June 18, a KHV infected Koi was identified for the first time from a Niigata breeder. The source of infection was a tategoi transferred from another prefecture. All possibly infected Koi from that source have been inspected and culled. We are currently in the process of reinspecting all Niigata Koi to prevent the spread of KHV. Details will be reported in early July, but please allow us to offer our sincerest apologies for the anxiety caused.

As informed previously, the Niigata prefectural government and breeders work together to implement measures
towards fish diseases, which is why we were able to deal with the KHV disease before its spread. We will continue to work hard towards zero incidence of KHV. Your understanding and continued support will be very much appreciated.Hajime Isa, Niigata Regional Director,
All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association


Info from: http://www.japan-nishikigoi.org/#

[dinh]

There were some rumors few weeks back and now it is official confirmed....

I hope this news one again will bring all koikichies together to help in fighting this dreadly virus.

--Dinh

[junglegeorge12]

That is very sad for them. Earthquakes and khv seem to be really hurting them.

Any indication as to which breeder's koi we should should be careful about and checked extra carefully if recently shipped in?

[Regenmeneer]

Sad news indeed, but it seems like it was stopped before it could spread in Niigata (lets hope it is).

Makes me wonder though from which prefecture/breeder the KHV infected tategoi came from?!

[dinh]

As mentioned in the early post. Here is the updated info regarding currect infection of KHV in Niigata. For people who have doubt about old or current news. The message now specified the completed date of the event so that people don't have to worry about whether it is old or currect news. INPC also specified the complete date on the title of their news as well. Here is the updated info:

=To worldwide Nishikigoi lovers and dealers=

This is a follow-up report on the outbreak of KHV.
On June 30, 2006, representatives of Niigata Nishikigoi breeders, officials from the prefectural government and the Inland Water Fisheries Experiment Station, and fish diseases trainers appointed for each area by the Niigata District of All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association gathered to give a status report and to confirm countermeasures against the disease.

Niigata, being the birthplace and the world’s largest production area of Nishikigoi, has thorough disease control guidelines and has never, not once, let the Koi become infected with the KHV disease.
Unfortunately, a Koi brought in from another prefecture for spawning purposes was a KHV carrier, and KHV was detected for the first time ever from a Niigata breeder’s Koi. The detection was first reported on June 18, 2006 and was officially announced in Niigata five days later on June 23. Please allow me to inform you that we were able to limit the damages to a minimum since prompt actions according to the control guidelines were taken immediately after the detection.

Here is what we specifically did; we made a list of the breeders who interchanged Koi with the breeder who owned the infected Koi. The list consisted of 8 breeders, inside and outside of Niigata. All the infected Koi were culled. Furthermore, we investigated those who may have had contact with the breeder in question. Koi fry that had relation with the infected Koi in some way or another, even if they were free from the possibility of infection, were all culled to eliminate the remotest possibility of infection. We are taking severe measurements based on the “punish those in doubt” principle.
Fortunately since the occurrence of KHV was during spawning season, we have verified that, based on our investigation, no KHV infected or possibly infected Koi have been transferred externally, so there is little possibility of further spread of damages caused by the KHV. In addition, to completely eliminate KHV from Niigata, we are in the process of testing Koi from all breeders, even if they have no contact with the breeder who owned the infected Koi.

After completing these tasks, we will be able to officially issue a declaration of safety in the near future.
This incident will be a good lesson for us. Taking pride in being breeders in the birthplace of Nishikigoi, we are making extra efforts so you will have strong confidence in the safety of Niigata’s Nishikigoi from now on. Your continued understanding and support will be fully appreciated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hajime Isa, Niigata Regional Director,
All Japan Nishikigoi Promotion Association
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[Russell Peters]

It is very reassuring to hear how they deal with KHV. It seems to be thorough, ruthless and out in the open so there are no questions. I like that.

[RayJordan]

#1 who are the breeders that had confirmed KHV exposure
#2 Where did the orginal infected/carrier koi come when
#3 Where did that koi get infected
#4 Sounds like the actions were limited to Niigata dealers/breeders
#5 This second announcement was written in perfect american english?

[junglegeorge12]

I agree with Ray, that sounds more like a Nigata ad than a report with important info. How on earth can they know if infected koi were shipped out if the public does not know to have any of them tested or to at least quarantine them until water temps are right to test?
I think I will be buying Momotaro this year. At least they tell you if they have it and you need to check, so you can be safe and protect your other stock. These guys seem to want to keep it a secret, that worries me. As it stands now if any infected koi were shipped out prior to the discovery, they could be infecting people's entire collections. Not cool. I know it causes a hard hit on the affected breeders, but hiding it will cause a lot of fear and rumors, a hard hit on the whole Nigata prefecture.

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by RayJordan #1 who are the breeders that had confirmed KHV exposure #2 Where did the orginal infected/carrier koi come when #3 Where did that koi get infected #4 Sounds like the actions were limited to Niigata dealers/breeders #5 This second announcement was written in perfect american english?

I received this a week ago.

[junglegeorge12]

Well at least we know part of the story now.

Always hard and sad when this happens as it affects real families. Not many seem overly concerned about the families of others these days, chat forums are ugly free for alls with 4th grade level childish vendettas at times, with no thought of consequences. Wonder what would happen if half the stuff said in here was said face to face? I think Doc Johnson mentioned something about people 'spitting up teeth'. Maybe a few loose teeth would actually help the hobby Doc. Here they have already outlawed the import of lionhead fish and are itching for more control.

Imagine what would happen if the continued KHV risk caused them to shut down all imports from Japan to the US. Why then many breeders in US territory could be as big as Momotaro or Sakai almost overnight. Wouldn't that be a jaw dropper, we would be in fir some changes and might need ray guns to supress the angry crowds. The poor dealers who import would be in deep stuff instantly. I am not sure Walmart hires lippy smartmouths, but then I may be wrong, I have never applied there. That is how it is in Australia, no imports period. Let's hope and pray for their family's lives and sakes that will never have to happen to any of them.

Today is my son's b'day. It has been such a beautiful day so far. He got a Lightning Mcqueen car and bike and is happy as he can be. Proves you do not have to rule the universe to be happy. Small things can be so much better than the worries of world domination and underhanded treachery from angry witches and shallow old men. For me, I plan to buy as many Momotaro koi as I can this year to help them recover from last year. Especially since they have proven to be trustworthy on the issue and so committed to their program. Proves any mountain can be climbed, one step at a time.