An outbreak of dermal ulceration in Koi, similar to erythrodermatitis in carp, is having a substantial economical impact on the ornamental fish industry.
Affected fish develop ulcers primarily along the body walls and head.
Secondary bacterial infection and death are common sequela to the ulcers. Surviving fish are commonly scarred and may be stunted. At present the etiologic agent for this disease is not documented within the scientific literature and there is debate and antedoctal speculation as to its cause. During the spring of 1998 a group of imported Japanese Koi were presented to the University of Georgia by a wholesale facility that had been experiencing periodic outbreaks of dermal ulcerations for the past two years. These fish were cultured for potential bacteria.