Carp Pox

[Erns]

Has anybody ever taken a fish with carp pox as a nissai and grew it to an show quality adult with now 'scars' from the carp pox?

Reason: I've got an option on an beautiful sakai kindai showa but it's currently got a light case of carp pox. I told the current owner that if he can cure it I'll take it. We have been told that Virkon S will clean it up quite effectively and fast? Any insight into this?

[saratogatan]

my advice: pay no more than 10 cents on the dollar if you really like that koi.

I have quite some experience with koi pox. First, they may come back. I have 1 momotaro sanke that had koipox crept up on it 3 winter in a row. It died the spring after.

Secondly, koipox loves to crop up during cold season, from nov to april. that is when koi kichi attend major koi show, and pour a million gallons of biru (beer) down their throat.

3rd, when you koi has koipox, you can show them even when they are peaking in quality. That also means your 'show koi' may well be an ordinary koi.

4rd, they is no guarantee that that koi will not spread pox to other show koi in your pond.

10 cents for a dollar max.

stan

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by saratogatan my advice: pay no more than 10 cents on the dollar if you really like that koi. I have quite some experience with koi pox. First, they may come back. I have 1 momotaro sanke that had koipox crept up on it 3 winter in a row. It died the spring after. Secondly, koipox loves to crop up during cold season, from nov to april. that is when koi kichi attend major koi show, and pour a million gallons of biru (beer) down their throat. 3rd, when you koi has koipox, you can show them even when they are peaking in quality. That also means your 'show koi' may well be an ordinary koi. 4rd, they is no guarantee that that koi will not spread pox to other show koi in your pond. 10 cents for a dollar max. stan

Stan

My buddy, some of what you have said is somewhat true. The part about it showing up during Fall/Winter, thus cold water, is true, as it seems to be a cold water virus or something similar. Also true, it can come back even after disappearing during warmer months.

As far as spreading to other koi, well, JR, please take it from here!!!!

Mike

[Brutuscz]

Just like you would avoid a date with a girl who has herpes...Do the same in this instance. It may be only loosely transmittable...but who wants it?? Couldn't pay me to take it.
LOL...Feeling a little wacky today...must be spring fever!!!

[saratogatan]

got a major typo in my last post:

you CAN'T take koipox infected koi to a show.

stan

[saratogatan]

JR, where are you ? we need your advice on this subject.

stan

[KoiCop]

I believe he would agree carp pox:

1. Is a member of the herpes virus family;

2. Is seasonal and that the virus becomes active (then dormant) due to fluctuations in the koi's stress -- usually it's related to water temps, but sometimes it's water quality issues that drive an outbreak;

3. Currently has no treatment (other that excellent, warm water to push symptoms into remission), although some folks are conducting experimental treatments; and

4. Has transmission mechanisms which are imperfectly understood -- including whether or not it's contagious.

[saratogatan]

few years ago, I read a few article/posting by some domestic koi breeders saying that there is a warm water strain koipox creeping around. Any one to shine some day light on that ?

stan

[JasPR]

Sorry guys, just got home. Busy day.
You pretty much covered it and you can see how little we know about koi viruses and why I think it is so important to know the life cycle and natural history of other more dangerous viruses like KHV, as far as overall research on the virus goes. I guess we can afford not to know too much about this particular herpes virus as it is not a death sentence, but still since these virus has been known about and referred to in text for about 400 years now ( TRUE! 400 years of references to this disease), You would think we would know EVERYTHING about it at this point- which we don’t!
The true name of this virus is Herpes virus cyprini ( so carp, goldfish, barbs and orfe all can host it) and a lot is known about it’s DNA and it’s replication with the host cell’s nucleus. In carp it is further detailed as Cyprinid Herpes virus 1 or CHV1 for short.
And like all herpes, the virus will hide within the fish. It is not considered contagious but certain genetic predisposition and identical environmental conditions of stress can make it look like it is contagious to a group of fish.
The appearance of lesions is linked to two factors- the virus itself and the stress level ( and therefore the lower immune response) of the host fish. And cold is it’s classic ‘time to shine’. This is not unusual as many fish viruses follow the same game plan. It may also be true that the epidermal cells themselves are easier to hijack in winter than when they are more active in summer and better supplied with virus fighting cells .

Best, JR