Hebrew University study finds carp relatives resist Koi herpesvirus

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Michigan State University have discovered that certain carp relatives may help mitigate the spread of the Koi herpesvirus (CyHV-3). This virus is highly destructive to carp aquaculture, capable of decimating entire populations within days and causing significant economic losses.

The study found that while common carp are highly vulnerable to the virus, species such as goldfish, grass carp, silver carp, and black carp are much more resilient. These related species rarely become infected naturally and, even when deliberately infected in controlled settings, they fight off the virus quickly and are unlikely to pass it on to others.

Previously, scientists feared that these related species living in the same ponds and lakes might act as silent carriers of the disease. However, the findings suggest they are actually poor at spreading the virus, offering new hope for the protection of freshwater ecosystems and the stability of fish farming.