okay...a stupid KHV question....

[moikoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by schildkoi I "probably" wouldn't heat cycle. BUT, just like QT, personally I would do my own serology testing. Why? Because it is possible that the koi may have gotten inadvertantly exposed after the serology testing at the dealers. Also, do you know 100% for sure that the dealer did the serology testing? Steve

Steve
you buy big $$$ koi. buttt...what about a little guy like me ? whom buys koi in the $500-$800 range do i hire a vet to do the serology test?

[schildkoi]

First of all, Its been over 4 years since I have bought a "big $$$ koi." My last 2 purchases have been under $500.

That all being said, What is the total value of the koi in your pond? That is the exposure, plus that of your new purchase(s). The "setup" cost of serology testing is the cost of a centrifuge....about $100 on ebay. That is a one time purchase. The test tubes and syringe costs are negligable. The testing itself and mailing of the sample is less than $50 ish and goes down when the mailing costs are for multiple samples. So, the cost to do 1 single koi is about $150? But, as those setup charges are spread, the price per koi goes drastically down. 10 koi = $600 or $60 per koi, 100 koi = $5100 or $51 per koi roughly speaking. Now if one has 10, $500 koi in their pond and buys 1 koi of similar value, the risk exposure is $5500. Testing that one koi at $150 seems pretty cost effective to me? Oh, remember, that price goes WAY down over time and future testing. Is it "fail safe"? Nope, but currently it is the best option we have.....IMHO.

Steve

[moikoi]

Steve
you know how to draw blood from a fish,but what about for dummies like myself do i go and hire a vet ?

[schildkoi]

Its actually easy. The January/February article in KOI USA does a fine job of explaining it. It no harder than injecting a koi with anitbiotics. Most are afraid of injecting the first time but learn how easy it actually is. Heck, if Cheryl can do it,anyone can! No offense to Cheryl of course.

Steve