A Review of New & Emerging Disease in Freshwater Fisheries – Lessons Learnt
C.F. Williams,1 E.J. Peeler 2 and S. Feist2
1National Fisheries Laboratory, Environment Agency, Brampton, PE28 4NE, UK; 2Cefas, Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
Freshwater fisheries in England and Wales have an estimated value exceeding £3billion and have important societal and environmental benefits. New and emerging diseases pose a significant threat to the economic viability, performance and ecology of these waters. In the last 15 years, a range of different pathogens and conditions have been detected in fisheries, affecting a variety of fish species in both still water and riverine environments. Notable examples include Tench Rhabdovirus (TRV), Koi Herpesvirus (KHV), Red Vent Syndrome (RVS), Herpesvirus anguillae (HVA), Puffy Skin Disease (PSD), the Rosette Agent Sphaerothecum destruens, Gyrodactylus sprostonae and Carp Edema Virus (CEV). The detection, pathology and impact of these diseases are reviewed. For each, the role of monitoring, regulation, risk assessment and fishery management are evaluated. These examples highlight clear priorities for the future management of new and emerging diseases in fisheries, which must take account of both the diversity of disease and the environments in which they may occur.
