FISH DISEASE
Disease outbreaks can be restricted to a small number of deaths, and can be difficult to identifybetween from the normal mortality, which can be expected as part of the fish stock cycle, particularly during spawning periods.
Even in cases of limited mortality accurate records of the mortality should be recorded and monitored. If there are major fish losses, particularly, large fish deaths, then a different level of expertise is needed. Consult with your support (Angling Trust, E.A., Institute of Fisheries Management).
Whilst one or two of your members of the committee or Association may have some knowledge of fish diseases, there will inevitably be cases of insufficient expertise of diseases and causes of disease, which will involve the investigation of the physical condition of the fish, both internal and external (scales, skin, fins, gills, eyes, mouth, etc.). The internal examination may involve fish dissection to determine diagnosis.
Even though you may have insufficient knowledge within the Association to deal with diagnosis there are some simple actions you can take;-
Liaise with your specialist support as soon as significant problems begin to occur, particularly the Environment Agency
Remove dead fish from the water as soon as possible
Record accurate details of species mortality together with their sizes
photograph deformities and disease for your support staff
Agree with your support staff suitable places for burial in suitable soil types.