The core objectives of the pre-transport health quarantine are to block pathogen transmission and minimize in-transit mortality. It requires a systematic, three-step process to ensure only healthy, stable fish are shipped.
1. Physical Examination (Hands-On Inspection):
-
Procedure: The koi is gently netted and placed on a soft, wet towel. A magnifying glass or loupe is used for a detailed inspection.
-
Focus Areas:
-
Gills: Gills must be uniformly bright red or dark red, with no pallor, swelling, excessive mucus, or visible white spots/parasites (e.g., Dactylogyrusflukes).
-
Body & Fins: Check for anchor worms (Lernaea), fish lice (Argulus),** ulcers, red sores, hemorrhages at scale bases, or fin rot.
-
Vent: Should be clean, not swollen or red, with no trailing feces.
-
2. Behavioral Observation (Stress Test in Isolation):
-
The koi is moved to a dedicated, bare-bottom quarantine/holding tank with excellent water quality and aeration for a minimum of 48 hours.
-
Observation Goals: Monitor for any signs of latent disease or stress, including flashing (rubbing), clamping fins, erratic swimming, loss of balance, or exophthalmia (pop-eye). Normal behavior should be calm, exploratory, and stable.
3. Physiological Acclimation (Water Parameter Matching):
-
This is a critical, often overlooked step. Over the final 12-24 hours in the holding tank, the water parameters (temperature, salinity/pH) are gradually adjusted to precisely match the prepared transport bag water.
-
Targets: The temperature difference should be ≤1°C, and salinity (if used) should be matched (e.g., 0.3%). This prevents osmotic shock and severe stress the moment the fish is introduced to the transport water, conserving its energy for the journey ahead.
4. Documentation and Decision Making: All findings from the physical exam and behavioral observation should be documented. Any fish showing signs of disease, parasites, or significant stress should be removed from the shipping batch and treated. The quarantine process is a final quality control gate to ensure biosecurity and the well-being of the fish during the arduous journey.
