A lake remains closed after a disease which is deadly for fish was found.

Traces of Koi Herpes virus have been recorded at Gedges Lakes near Paddock Wood.

The outbreak was confirmed by the Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) who has since found evidence of it in 12 other popular fishing lakes across the country.

The problem was first found in August and bosses of the site dealt with it as quick as they could.

Dave Bridger, the manager of the site, said: “We were diagnosed with the KHV six or seven weeks ago and the Environment Agency (EA) and FHI were informed.

“We’ve closed the lake off ever since but left the others open – we have five on our site.

“A month ago we were given the all clear but we have decided to err on the side of caution and keep the lake closed until the end of October – in four weeks we will be open as normal.”

DEFRA, EA, and FHI have all been asked for an update.

The disease poses a threat to all common and ornamental carp species and causes serious health issues including necrotic (white or brown) patches on the gills, rough patches on the skin and sloughing mucous, and sunken eyes.

Though there is no risk to human health, the FHI has now imposed a set of restrictions on the use of these lakes to ensure the spread of the disease is prevented or at least limited.

No one may be allowed to move any aquatic life nor throw away any dead fish unless given authorisation.

Any deaths to the population must be reported as well as any changes to the layout of the lakes themselves and any changes that are scheduled to come.

Restrictions around the lake will be in place indefinitely until the FHI are satisfied there is no trace left of the disease.

Dave continued: “We were lucky we only lost half a dozen fish to the disease.

“But we put all the safeguards in place and now we are waiting to be taken off the website any day now.

“It’s a nasty disease. It’s not curable. Nothing can be done outside of putting the lake into quarantine to fix it.

“You just have to let it run it’s course.”