Ohrigstad Dam tested for fungal fish disease

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced on September 27 that a suspected spread of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) has been identified in the Ohrigstad Dam.
In the interim of test results being confirmed, the MTPA has banned all fishing at the dam.

EUS is a seasonal epizootica condition of extreme importance for wild and farmed freshwater and estuarine fish. It occurs mostly during periods of low temperatures and after periods of heavy rainfall. EUS is transmitted from one fish to another through the water. Juveniles and young adult fish are mostly at risk.
EUS is a global fungal fish disease of concern, affecting at least 94 species of finfish from farms and wild populations in freshwater and estuarine environments.

Simphiwe Shungube, spokesperson for the MTPA, said that the nature reserve had been quarantined until further notice.
“The suspected outbreak at the nature reserve is being investigated by scientific teams. We are appealing to fish farmers and fishermen in and around the area to be patient while a solution to this matter is found,” said Simphiwe Shungube, spokesperson for the MTPA.
“Precautionary strategies were being implemented to contain the outbreak at the nature reserve and avoid its spread to surrounding catchment areas,” said Shungube.

Also read: Hazyview Junction boasts with brand-new stores

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization describes epizootic ulcerative syndrome as an infection caused by oomycetes fungi like Aphanomyces invadans or A. piscicida. Aphanomyces is a member of a group of organisms known as water moulds.

Fish with this syndrome develop ugly lesions, including small pinpoint red spots, hemorrhagic spots, swelling, raised areas on the body surface, protruding scales, loss of scales, skin erosion, reddened skin under the scales, exposed musculature and ulceration. Despite not posing a health risk to humans, the MTPA advised against eating infected fish.