Where viral involvement is suspected samples of tissue, usually from the gills or kidney, can be submitted for Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

London Aquatic Veterinary Services is proud to offer fast and reliable viral testing for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) using PCR technologies through the laboratories services provided by PHARMAQ Analytiq. Results can be expected within 3-5 days once received by the lab. An express service is available on request with results relayed within 1-2 days.

Another viral agent commonly tested for is CEV - ‘Koi Sleeping Disease’.

Evidence for viral infection can also be detected via histopathology but further analysis will be required to identify the virus present.