Virus Causes Massive Carp Die-Off in the Old Danube in Vienna

According to ORF, the cause of the carp die-off is the Koi herpesvirus. This virus was identified by the University of Veterinary Medicine after examining the dead fish.

Virus Entered Old Danube Through Illegally Released Koi Fish

The Austrian Fisheries Society has determined that the virus entered the waters through illegally released koi fish. Unfortunately, the affected carp apparently have no defenses against this pathogen.

Although 200 carp have already died, Stefan La Garde from the Fisheries Society emphasizes that the overall fish population in the Old Danube is not at risk. The main questions now are whether the entire carp population can survive the virus. La Garde is optimistic about the resilience of the remaining fish.

Measures for Removing the Carcasses

The dead fish are being collected by the responsible supervisory authorities as well as by volunteers from the Fisheries Breeding Association. MA 45, which is responsible for water protection, supports these operations.

The carcasses are picked up twice daily at collection points near the Kagran Bridge and disposed of properly. It is important to know that the virus is harmless to swimmers and humans, so there is no acute danger from the waters.

(Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.