Horizontal transmission of koi herpes virus (KHV) from potential vector species to common carp

Six fish species, defined as potential vectors in koi herpes virus (KHV) transmission, namely: common roach, European perch, tench, Eurasian ruffe, silver carp and grass carp were included in this study. The fish used to transmit infection originated from a fish culture facility where KHV had been diagnosed and prior to the beginning of the research study the presence of the virus genome was confirmed in each individual fish intended for cohabitation. Specific pathogen free (SPF) carp utilized in the experiment originated from the University of Wageningen. During a four-week period the SPF carp were exposed to infection through cohabitation with vector species previously confirmed as KHV carriers. The obtained results demonstrated the possibility of a horizontal transmission of KHV between selected species, even in the case of species showing no clinical signs of KHV disease (KHVD), while an average water temperature in the tanks ranged from 12°C to 16°C.