What is the RSPCA’s view on the release of Koi herpesvirus (aka KHV, Cyprinid herpesvirus 3, CyHV-3) to kill c arp?

Some pertinent excerpts:

“The RSPCA recognises the need to control introduced species to minimise their environmental and agricultural impacts where these are validated. However, we argue that the control methods used must be as humane as possible for all species, including fish. The available scientific evidence demonstrates that fish are sentient animals capable of experiencing pain and suffering and must therefore be treated humanely. ”

“Carp can tolerate poor water quality, meaning that they thrive in rivers that are already degraded. For this reason, separating carp impacts from other sources of environmental damage can be difficult. ”

“the use of disease-causing biological agents such as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 is contentious due to the potential pain and suffering that infected carp might experience before death. The virus affects the gills, leading to reduced oxygen intake. Affected fish become lethargic and gasp at the surface with some experiencing loss of equilibrium and disorientation. Inflammation and damage is also caused to other organs including kidney, spleen, pancreas, liver, brain and the gut. Affected fish stop eating, become lethargic and may show skin lesions as well as excess mucous production, affecting the gills causing suffocation. Death may take 1-2 weeks, with some carp succumbing to parasitic and bacterial infections ”

Read more – http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-RSPCAs-view-on-the-release-of-Cyprinid-herpesvirus-to-kill-carp_707.html

An application seeking approval for the use of CyHV-3 is currently being reviewed by the APVMA (source link).

Have your say on the planned release of the Carp Herpes Virus.

The national carp control plan will soon be conducting a round of social research, investigating public opinion on the carp herpes virus and the plan to release it.

They are currently compiling email addresses and contact details of people who would be willing to participate. If you are willing, you can email your interest directly to Carpsocialresearch@csiro.au participation is important as it will be used to justify, or not, the release of the virus.

Subscribe to our NEW YOUTUBE Channel!

Follow me on: Facebook “Fin Page” – YouTube – Blog – Linkedin – Twitter

—
Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology), MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV, CMAVA, NATA Signatory.
Aquatic Veterinarian & Veterinary Pathologist
THE FISH VET, AUSTRALIA – PERTH | SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | TOWNSVILLE | BRIBIE ISLAND

Mobile Aquatic Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services.

• W: http://www.thefishvet.com.au
• Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383
• Mail: PO Box 5164, East Victoria Park, WA 6981, Australia.
• Skype: thefishvet
• President WAVMA 2014
• Adjunct Senior Lecturer Murdoch University