Having Koi in a beautifully designed pond that is strategically placed in your backyard is definitely an experience to enjoy. Caring for the Koi as well as maintain their habitat is not that difficult but what happens when you realize a Koi doesn't look quite right? Just like any other creature, Koi diseases do exist.
What does one do when your Koi look under the weather? Your local veterinarian may or may not be able to assist you with their care and you may not want to pay their bill. Having healthy Koi starts with purchasing healthy specimens; your pet store may keep them healthy but it is better to buy Koi from a Koi breeder. A breeder will be able to give you more in depth detail about the history of the fish you want to purchase.
Believe it or not, Koi can have a number of diseases which are viral, parasitic or bacterial. The first of the Koi diseases are viral diseases which are those that are caused by a virus and can be transmitted by either direct or indirect contact. Parasitic diseases are caused by a parasite which is an extremely small creature or organism. Bacterial diseases are caused by a bacterium that is picked up either directly or indirectly from another fish or object.
The first type of disease, viral, is usually allowed to run its course as the solution is usually a type of immunization which we don't give to fish. Providing a clean environment along with the proper lighting and temperatures and appropriate food, you can prevent many viral diseases. Several viral diseases are the Carp Pox which is considered harmless but solid, waxy bumps found on the body are not too nice to look at. Another viral disease is the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) which causes rough skin, sunken eyes and the gills will have patches of dead tissue.
The next of the Koi diseases to discuss is the parasitic disease. These diseases can be treatable depending upon the parasite that is to be blamed. Leeches create havoc on the outside of the Koi's body. Leeches can be grey or brown worms and can be up to around an inch long. Gill Flukes creates labored breathing and jerky motions when swimming as well as the parasite can be seen on various parts of the body.
The third of the Koi diseases to watch out for is bacterial. Bacterial diseases are normally treated with antibiotics. Several bacterial diseases that Koi can contract are Cloudy Eye, Cotton Wool disease and ulcers. Cloudy Eye, as the name suggests, creates cloudy eyes along with a loss of energy and appetite. Cotton Wool, again with the name, will cause white fluffy spots that form and then begin to "eat away" around the mouth and head region then will spread to the rest of the body and begin the disintegration process at those points as well.
By choosing healthy Koi and providing and maintaining their home on a regular basis, many of the Koi diseases that can be contracted can be prevented. Many of the Koi that we do have in our Koi ponds are both colorful and unique. Enjoy and share your experience of having Koi with both family and friends.
James Whitman was born in the UK and became interested in Koi during a trip to Japan. He is very active in local koi groups, loves anything to do with Koi, especially helping his friends and other enthusiasts with their problems with goldfish and koi diseases [http://www.koifishhobby.com/goldfish-and-koi-diseases], and has written his own e-book, "Starting the Koi Fish Hobby" which is available along with a free ten part email mini-course at his website.
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