Happy Koi and KHV

We take KHV (and every other Koi disease) extremely seriously.

What we do

KHV is without doubt the single most serious disease facing Koi keepers at the moment. No doubt there will be others in the future but at the moment KHV is the biggest threat.

Happy Koi walks our talk. Our Koi spend more time in quarantine than any other we are aware of in the country and we say this without wanting to sound arrogant or boastful. But we are that serious about our Koi quarantine protocols if for no other reason than because we simply cannot afford to lose all our Koi - it would put us out of business plain and simple.

Every single Koi when it comes in goes immediately and directly to our quarantine facility in Muldersdrift. Our quarantine protocols dictate that Koi are typically in the facility for an absolute minimum of 4 weeks (typically 6 weeks) in conditions suitable to bring about the onset of KHV and any and all other possible Koi afflictions. Mark is the past master at fish keeping and the success of our quarantine operation is entirely due to his single handed devotion and ability to keep fish healthy. He has no equal.

KHV tests are regularly conducted at the facility. We have a standard procedure that we follow like clockwork in this regard and no exceptions are made, ever. For instance, after shows, any Koi taken to a Koi show are immediately once again quarantined as if they had just been imported and further KHV tests are done.

It is important to recognise that this procedure and protocol costs money. We're not talking about pocket change either. Our cash flow is tied up in the Koi swimming in quarantine. Testing, medications for parasites and bacterial infections are ongoing expenses that we have to pay for. The facility has a significant capital cost. It has ongoing running costs in terms of time, electricity, water, food and the like.

It is also important to recognise that the results are not guaranteed and do not allow you the excuse of not having to quarantine your Koi if they are purchased from Happy Koi. You will find that we will not sell you Koi if you do not have an adequate quarantine facility for your own Koi - you will find that our attitude will change most abruptly if we learn that you have not adequately and properly quarantined your own new Koi!