DETECTION OF KOI HERPES VIRUS (KHV) AND ITS PREVALENCE RATE IN COMMON CARP (Cyprinus carpio) COMMODITIES TRANSPORTED THROUGH THE ANIMAL, FISH AND PLANT QUARANTINE CENTER OF NORTH SULAWESI USING THE REAL-TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (qPCR) METHOD

Abstract

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the primary freshwater aquaculture commodities that plays a strategic role in supporting national fish production and contributing to the livelihoods and economic development of local communities. The high intensity of aquaculture practices, combined with the movement of live fish across regions, increases the risk of fish disease transmission, particularly highly contagious viral diseases. One of the most significant viral diseases of concern is Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), which can cause high mortality rates and substantial impacts on production, economic stability, and fish trade activities. This study aimed to detect the presence of Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) and to determine its prevalence in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) commodities transported through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of North Sulawesi using the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) method. The research employed a descriptive design with a surveillance approach. The study samples consisted of five common carp collected from quarantine traffic activities. Detection of KHV was conducted through DNA extraction followed by amplification of the viral target gene using the qPCR method. The prevalence rate was calculated based on the proportion of positive samples relative to the total number of examined samples. The results showed that out of five examined common carp samples, one sample tested positive for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), while the remaining four samples were negative. Based on these findings, the prevalence rate of KHV in common carp transported through the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center of North Sulawesi was 20%. These findings indicate that although the majority of transported fish were KHV-negative, the potential introduction and spread of the virus through fish movement remains present. In conclusion, the Real-Time PCR (qPCR) method is effective as an early detection tool for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) due to its high sensitivity and specificity. The detection of KHV in a portion of transported common carp emphasizes the importance of strengthening fish quarantine surveillance and consistently implementing laboratory examinations as preventive measures against the spread of fish diseases to other regions, in accordance with the national fish quarantine system.