28th ANNUAL EASTERN FISH HEALTH WORKSHOP April 21-25, 2003 Unites States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services Implements A Spring Viremia Of Carp Program Otis Miller, Jr. Unites States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD  20737 The Office of the Secretary of Agriculture announced that an emergency threatens the livestock industry of this country, and Unites States Department of Agriculture(USDA) funds are available to establish an SVC program to address the threat to U.S. farm-raised fish.  Approximately $11.7 million has been authorized for the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services to implement an Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) control and indemnity program for farm-raised fish in the United States, effective as of March 10, 2003.   In addition to the payment of indemnity, these funds are to be used to assist the State of North Carolina and Virginia with program activities such as:  depopulation and disposal, clean-up and disinfection, establishment of surveillance programs, epidemiology and diagnostic support, and training for producers and veterinarians.  North Carolina and Virginia have taken steps to prevent the spread of SVC; however, federal assistance is deemed necessary to effectively control this disease, which poses a threat to animal health and the United States’ economy. Spring Viremia of Carp is a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease most often reported in varieties of common carp, including koi.  The clinical signs of SVC include hemorrhaging of the skin, bulging eyes, abdominal swelling and bloody mucus from the vent.  While some fish may recover from the virus, they may still shed the virus and spread it to other fish. The first case of SVC in the United States was confirmed in North Carolina and Virginia in June 2002.  Our goal is to control and contain the SVC virus through rapid detection and depopulation of farm-raised fish that have been infected with or exposed to SVC.  It is believed that the virus can be controlled within high-risk zones through surveillance, vaccination, and best management practices.  Control requires depopulation of all facilities holding infected fish.  Indemnification is necessary to provide an incentive for fish farmers to report diseased fish and to continue testing. Return to 28th Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop Return to Leetown Science Center Home Page