Aquatic Disease Status
Northern Ireland has a high fish health status and is declared disease free for a number of listed aquatic diseases. The link below includes Northern Ireland’s disease status in relation to listed diseases of aquatic animals, pursuant to Article 38 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law):
Disease Free Status Table (Northern Ireland 2025)
In addition, as detailed in Annex I to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/260 Northern Ireland is regarded as being free from certain diseases affecting aquatic animals and for which there are national measures approved in accordance with Article 226(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. Currently these diseases are:
- Koi herpes virus disease (KHV)
- Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC)
- Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD)
- Gyrodactylus salaris (GS)
Designation Notices
DAERA is responsible for taking measures to prevent or limit the spread and control of aquatic animal diseases. Where a disease is suspected / confirmed, this is carried out by way of designation notices.
You can view the list of Designation notices in Northern Ireland.
The shellfish disease status of Northern Ireland sea loughs can be viewed at Northern Ireland Marine Disease Control Compartments.
Further Information
Further information can be obtained by emailing fish.health@daera-ni.gov.uk or by contacting the Fish Health Inspectorate on 028 4461 8089.