Salter in KHV Breakthrough then Nets a Big Barbel!

KHV Now a Notifiable Disease

This follows at least six outbreaks of KHV in recent weeks in fisheries in the South, East and Midlands. KHV is one of the most lethal viruses with recorded mortality rates of up to 98%. The increase in fish movements to provide stock for both angling and ornamental ponds and lakes has made it more likely that KHV could be spread widely across the U.K. with devastating consequences for anglers, fish farmers, and fishery owners.

Martin Salter raised the issue in the Commons at DEFRA questions and linked the proposed cut of £400,000 in the Environment Agency fisheries budget to the need to take action to try and prevent the spread of the KHV virus.

In his question Martin Salter said:

“The Minister will be aware that this wholly unwelcome cut of £400,000 in the Fisheries budget threatens to adversely affect the ability of the Environment Agency to combat the spread of lethal fish diseases such as the Koi Herpes Virus, several outbreaks of which have recently occurred in the U.K.

On behalf of Britain's 3.5 million anglers can I ask him what action does he propose to take to halt the spread of K.H.V. which is the aquatic equivalent of foot and mouth disease?”

In reply Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw acknowledged the serious threat posed by the virus and confirmed for the first time that the government intends to make KHV a notifiable disease. This will require fishery owners to report suspected KHV mortalities in their waters.

Martin Salter said:

“I'm delighted that Ben Bradshaw has listened to Britain's anglers and in particular to organisations such as the English Carp Heritage Organisation (ECHO) who have been lobbying for KHV to be added to the list of notifiable fish diseases. This was an issue raised at the recent Angling Summit that I held in the House of Commons and shows the value of bringing together organisations representing Britain's 3.5million anglers and giving them direct access to government ministers. KHV is a lethal threat to carp stocks the length and breadth of the country and if it was to become widespread the pleasure of millions and the livelihoods of many would be ruined.”

The announcement was welcomed by both ECHO and the Fisheries Angling Conservation Trust (FACT).

A representative from ECHO said:

“KHV is potentially the biggest threat to our country's carp stocks in recent times. ECHO has worked for numerous years to highlight this deadly disease among fisheries and the angling world.

“The impact of this virus on the industry could be huge and the news that it is to be made notifiable is a giant step forward in maintaining our fisheries health status.

We urge all relevant government agencies to achieve the notifiable status of KHV in as short a timescale as is humanly possible”.

Salter's Kennet Barbel Best

Martin Salter showed that he can catch fish as well as talk about the sport when he landed his personal best Kennet barbel of 10Ibs 9oz from the river near Newbury in a short evening session after work.

Martin also took three other barbel and a chub in less than three hours fishing using a cut down halibut boilie fished below a feeder rig containing mixed pellets and hemp.

Martin and his 10lb 9oz Kennet barbel

Martin Salter said:

“I hardly ever get a chance to be out on the riverbank on a midweek evening as I am not usually home from the House of Commons until very late. Luckily for me the House business was over in time for me to get back to Reading and squeeze in a short but dramatic three hour session on one of my favourite barbel swims. The fish fought like a demon and was in pristine condition.”

He added:

“I have caught bigger barbel from the Avon and Loddon but for some reason the Kennet tends to produce lots of fish for me but I rarely seem to get amongst the doubles with any regularity.”