Mystery solved: UN discovers millions of Iraqi carp were killed last year by herpes
- Iraqi fish farmers south of Baghdad were left reeling in late 2018 after piles of dead fish were found washed up on the banks of the Euphrates River
- Carp is used to make the country’s signature dish, masgoof
The sudden death last year of millions of Iraqi carp, used in the country’s signature dish, was caused by a strain of herpes harmless to humans, the United Nations said Wednesday.
Iraqi fish farmers south of Baghdad were left reeling in late 2018 after piles of dead carp were found washed up on the banks of the Euphrates River or floating in their cages.
Rumours swirled over whether the fish were sick or the river had been poisoned, and Iraqi politicians put the issue at the top of their agenda.
On Wednesday, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said a months-long international investigation had pinned down the slippery source: the Koi Herpes Virus.
“KHV is a very serious and lethal disease that is known to cause almost 100 per cent mortality rates in carps,” said Dr. Thomas Wahli, who heads the Swiss Reference Laboratory for Notifiable Diseases.
Flame-grilled carp seasoned with sauces made from onions and tomato and known as masgoof, is Iraq’s national delicacy.