Deadly virus in Polish rivers. Tones of dead fish were fished again from the Odra
Another dangerous fish virus was detected in the waters of the Oder and Gliwice Canal. The conducted research confirmed the presence of a pathogen, which has already led to the mass death of Karasi and Carp. Over three tons of dead fish were fished from the rivers. Scientists beat the alarm.
The first dead fish was noticed on April 8, 2025 in the Gliwice Canal, and on April 14 in Odra. From that moment the problem was growing. Only on Wednesday, April 23, 670 kilograms of fish bodies were collected, and the day after another 388 kilograms. The phenomenon covered sections from the Gliwice Canal through Kędzierzyn-Koźle to Opole.
Due to the situation of Polish Waters, they keep a detailed diary in which they record the number of fish caught every day.
Cyhv-2 virus is the main cause of fish death
Research conducted by the Veterinary Institute in Puławy showed that the mass death of the fish is responsible for the Cyprinid Herpesvirus 2 (Cyhv-2) virus. Infected fish, mainly karas, show characteristic symptoms – necrosis, ecchymosis on the body surface and in internal organs, as well as kidney damage.
The presence of the virus was also confirmed by the PCR method – said Professor Bogdan Zabiątek, an ichthyologist conducting research in these regions. He noted that so far this virus has occurred mainly in southern Europe, but climate change is conducive to its spread to the north of the continent.
Victims of Karas and Carp. “Consequences of global warming”
In a post published on social media, Professor Zabiątek emphasized that Cyhv-2 is attacking Karas throughout Poland, although with various intensity. The pathogen has also been identified in countries such as the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, as well as in China.
– It is likely that dreams in the Oder are caused by a viral infection, although perhaps caused by another pathogen. This is indicated by the fact that only carp fish, mainly carp and karaś, are found, but there are no species belonging to other groups, such as perch, zander or pike – added the scientist.
In his opinion, climate change is considered the main factor enabling the virus to migrate north. – The appearance of new diseases and parasites is unfortunately one of the consequences of global warming, whose costs we will have to bear in one way or another – concluded the scientist.
