Susceptibility of Common Bream, Chub and Barbel to Spring Viraemia of Carp Virus (SVCV)

Spring viraemia of carp (SVC) is a rhabdovirus infection that causes acute haemorrhagic and contagious viraemia in a range of species of fish. The disease is listed by the OIE and, whilst the disease is widespread in continental Europe, it is controlled in a number of EU member states through national measures. The principle host is common carp Cyprinus carpio, however a range of other cyprinid species, and some non-cyprinid species are known to be susceptible to infection.

Following an eradication programme the UK was declared free from SVC in 2010. Imports of live susceptible fish species into the UK must originate from SVC free sources. The susceptibility of three important cyprinid species: common bream (Abramis brama), barbel Barbus barbus and chub Squalius cephalus is currently unknown. These species are of increasing importance in recreational angling in the UK, and the demand for fish for restocking rivers and stillwaters in increasing. This presents a risk to the UK aquatic animal health status as both chub and barbel could potentially be imported into the UK without any need for an SVC health declaration