Koi farmers sometimes speak of 'sleeping sickness' but this protozoan blood disease has not been confirmed by laboratory testing. The first step is to quarantine new fish and screen them for the diseases described above, before introducing them to the main farm ponds. Obtain stocks from farms free of Goldfish Ulcer Disease, Argulus and Lernaea in particular. Try and remove parasites by treatment during quarantine. A quarantine period of at least three weeks is advisable.
Good husbandry is then vital in maintaining the fish free of diseases.
Avoid high stocking rates and unhygienic conditions due to fouling with food, faeces, dead fish and algae. Reduce temperature shocks and fluctuations. Inspect fish regularly and treat for parasites before they get out of hand. Please Note Mention of trade names does not imply endorsement by Fisheries Western Australia, and other products maybe equally suitable. Products which are cheap, simple, effective, registered in Western Australia for use in ornamental fish, and available in large packs suitable for farm use were chosen for mention.