\Kodama Koi Farm has introduced a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device to test for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) on-site at their farm. This allows Kodama Koi Farm to run more tests in shorter times to assure the safety of koi that they import and distribute from Niigata, Japan.
“KHV has been the most dangerous disease in the koi industry,” said Taro Kodama of Kodama Koi Farm. “It kills 70 percent or more of the populations in ponds, and the survivors will become carriers. The recent outbreaks in Japan have increased health concerns of Japanese koi among hobbyists as well as professionals around the world.”
A PCR machine is one of the techniques to detect the presence of KHV virus DNA. PCR is available at several laboratories nationwide, but the turnaround time is about one week on average, and the costs of testing limit the quantity of samples that can be tested for KHV outbreaks.
“At Kodama Koi Farm, we will continue to use third party laboratories for the final proof of KHV,” explained Kodama. “The introduction of this PCR technology to the farm now expands our opportunities to catch outbreaks early and increases the overall safety of our Japanese koi.”
Currently there is no cure for KHV, and the infection cannot be treated. Prevention, proper quarantine techniques and consistent testing of koi are the tools used by Kodama Koi Farm to ensure the safety of koi from the deadly virus.
For more information on the recent outbreaks of KHV in Japan and how Kodama Koi Farm has responded to the situation, please read our blog at https://www.kodamakoifarm.com/managing-japan-khv-outbreak/.
For more information:
808/366-8481
taro@kodamakoifarm.com
