Dear members,
We have completed precautionary fish health checks in our coarse lakes at Steeple Langford, Dandys and Petersfinger.
The fish at Steeple Langford are in good condition.
This is not the case at Dandys and Petersfinger Lakes.
The sample from Dandys showed presence of the parasite Ergasilus Briani.
Ergasilus Briani attaches between the gill filaments of its host, using its specialised antennae. Once attached, it uses its serrated mouthparts (situated on the underside of the body) to feed on mucus, blood and epithelial cells within the gill tissue.
The fish sample from Petersfinger also showed presence of Ergasilus Briani and in addition, Ergasilus Sieboldi.
The latter infects the gill filaments of a wide range of freshwater fish species using two, large, pointed antennae. It has a life cycle with many stages, but only the adult females are parasitic. It tends to favour some fish species more than others, for example bream and tench.
Both parasites are Category two parasites and we have reported it to the Environment Agency.
It is highly important that members disinfect their nets and fishing equipment after fishing on any of our coarse lakes, to avoid cross contamination. Please leave your nets in the sunlight until fully dry, and/or use the dip nets provided in our fisheries before you start fishing.
