Koi Herpesvirus (KHV)

Koi Herpesvirus is a disease of carp, koi and goldfish caused by a virus.  This virus does not affect humans.  Carp with KHV are safe to eat and handle.

This virus appears to affect all ages of common carp, goldfish and koi.

In 2007 and 2008, dead and dying carp were reported from 29 different waterbodies (lakes/rivers) in central Ontario. 

Some of the waterbodies were:

• Chemong Lake
• Lake Simcoe and connecting rivers
• Otonabee River
• Rice Lake
• Lake Scugog
• Pigeon Lake

The carp died because of a combination of factors.  The carp became stressed by:

The results from carp tested indicated the presence of Koi Herpesvirus and elevated levels of various bacteria. Fact sheet on Koi Herpesvirus (PDF, 58 kb)
 
Koi Herpesvirus is NOT a risk to human health.  KHV is an invasive fish virus that affects only carp, koi and goldfish, and has been introduced to Ontario waters likely through the hobby fish trade.  You can take action to help prevent new invasive species introductions and stop their spread.
 
The bacteria identified are found naturally in fresh waters as well as in, or on, healthy fish.  The Public Health Units indicate the bacteria pose very little risk to healthy people, and remind people that surface waters always contain bacteria that could infect people who have open wounds or suppressed immune systems. 
 
Anglers are advised not to consume any fish that appear to be sick, are dying or already dead.

As with any dead or dying fish or wildlife, pets should not be allowed to eat or come into contact with dead or dying fish.
 
If you find dead fish along your shoreline, local Public Health Units advise:

• do not handle dead fish with bare hands. Wear gloves and use shovels or rakes to move the fish
• dispose of the gloves and bags in the garbage
• wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the carcasses
• wash and disinfect with mild bleach the shovel or any other tool that came into contact with the animal
• dead fish may be buried at least two feet deep, or double-bagged for disposal in landfills.  Residents are urged to check with their municipality to see what arrangements have been made for collection or transport of the dead fish to waste disposal sites.

Individual landowners are responsible for the cleanup of fish from their shorelines. Landowners are encouraged to contact their local municipalities regarding disposal arrangements.

Municipalities are responsible for the public beaches that they own, just as MNR removes fish from swimming beaches in our Provincial Parks.

The ministry is not responsible for the removal of fish from private property, or the collection of dead fish floating in lakes or waters.  These fish eventually sink and decompose as part of the natural life cycle.