carp decimated by a virus in the Durance

The “sleeping sickness”, particularly deadly for carp but harmless for humans, is spreading in the river where it claims many victims.

The virus is spreading. THE carp from Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are currently victims of a significant wave of mortality, particularly in the Durance, according to the Fédération des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence for fishing and the protection of the aquatic environment.

In a press release, she explains that the situation is due to a virus called “carp edema” or “sleeping sickness”, which arrived on the European continent about ten years ago.

“Many French departments are affected. Eventually, all European carp populations are likely to encounter it”, she specifies.

Harmless to humans

Although this virus is harmless to humans and does not affect other species of fish, it is however very virulent on the carp population.

“It causes a massive mortality of large carp which will be visible in the weeks to come. However, this mortality only concerns a part of the carp and some seem to be immune without it being known why yet. of the Pisces white people are likely to be healthy carriers of this pathology”, indicates the Federation.

Call for vigilance

If, as mentioned above, the virus does not present any risk to humans, the fishermen and users who practice activities near and in bodies of water are invited to disinfect their equipment after use in order to prevent its spread.

“It is absolutely necessary to disinfect your equipment after use in order to avoid the spread of the virus (rods, boots, landing nets, canoes, hiking shoes, etc.). This disinfection can be done in several ways: bleach, long exposure to sun to ensure complete drying, salt water, disinfectant spray”, underlines the press release.

If you notice the massive presence of dead carp, it is possible to contact the Fédération des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence for fishing and the protection of the aquatic environment at 0492322540, by email ([email protected]) or via his Facebook page.