WASHINGTON, March 25, 2003--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service today announced that approximately $11.7 million has been authorized to implement a spring viremia of carp (SVC) control and indemnity program for farm-raised fish in the United States.

            The funds will be used to assist the states of North Carolina and Virginia with epidemiology, surveillance and an indemnification program.  The states 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 fish health and the U.S. economy. 

            SVC is a contagious and potentially fatal viral fish 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 will 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. 

            In addition to indemnity payments, these funds will be used for program activities such as depopulation and disposal, clean-up and disinfection, establishment of a national surveillance program, epidemiology and diagnostic support and training for producers and veterinarians. 

For more information, please contact: Kimberley Smith   (301) 734-6464 or Jerry Redding    (202) 720-6959 or go to: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/news/2003/03/svcfunds_vs.html