The Thillot: Suspected SHV Infection in Thatched Pond
- LE THILLOT, France (AP) — The "Chaume Etang" recreational pond in Le Thillot, France, is now under strict surveillance after an unexplained increase in fish mortality, according to...
- Citing a health emergency, the Vosges prefecture, acting on the proposal of the Departmental Director of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and the Protection of the Populations of the Vosges,...
- The decree, now in effect, places the Étang de Chaume under the supervision of the departmental Director of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and the Protection of Populations. Key measures...
Le Thillot pond Under Surveillance Following Fish Mortality Spike
Table of Contents
- Le Thillot pond Under Surveillance Following Fish Mortality Spike
- Le Thillot Pond Under Surveillance: Your Questions Answered
- What is happening at the “Chaume Étang” pond in Le Thillot?
- Why is the pond under surveillance?
- What is viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)?
- What measures have been implemented due to the health emergency?
- What is the purpose of animal isolation and sequestration?
- Can fish from the pond be sold or consumed?
- What is an epidemiological survey, and why is it necessary?
- What is hydrological flow control, and how does it work?
- When will the surveillance order be lifted?
- What happens if VHS is confirmed?
- What are the penalties for non-compliance with the decree?
- How can someone appeal the decree?
- What’s the appeal process?
- Who is responsible for enforcing the decree?
- Who receives copies of the decree?
- Summary of Key Measures
LE THILLOT, France (AP) — The “Chaume Etang” recreational pond in Le Thillot, France, is now under strict surveillance after an unexplained increase in fish mortality, according to a prefectural decree issued Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Health Emergency Declared
Citing a health emergency, the Vosges prefecture, acting on the proposal of the Departmental Director of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and the Protection of the Populations of the Vosges, has implemented measures to contain a potential outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
Surveillance Measures Implemented
The decree, now in effect, places the Étang de Chaume under the supervision of the departmental Director of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and the Protection of Populations. Key measures include:
Animal Isolation and Sequestration
- A ban on the entry or exit of any aquatic animals from the pond. However, the Departmental Director may authorize the sale or processing of fish for human consumption under specific conditions.
- Mandatory clinical examinations and sampling to confirm the presence or absence of VHS.
- An epidemiological survey by DDETSPP agents to investigate the origin of the disease and potential contamination pathways, and also to assess the risk to other aquaculture farms or the natural surroundings.
Hydrological Flow Control
- Complete closure of all water inputs and outputs to the site.
- Cessation of water intake upstream and discharges downstream.
- Daily monitoring for any water leakage.
Lifting of Restrictions
According to the decree, the surveillance order will only be lifted after laboratory analysis confirms the absence of VHS and clinical signs in the fish population. Once these conditions are met, the aquaculture farm’s initial health status will be restored.
Declaration of Infection
Conversely, should the analysis confirm the presence of VHS, a prefectural decree declaring an infection will be issued, superseding the current surveillance order.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of Article 2 of the decree will be documented and may result in penalties as outlined in articles R.228-1 to R.228-10 of the rural and maritime fishing code, depending on the nature and consequences of the offence.
Appeals Process
The decree allows for appeals within two months of notification.These include a graceful appeal to the prefect, a hierarchical appeal to the Minister in charge of agriculture, or a contentious appeal before the administrative court of Nancy via http://www.telerecours.fr. Filing a graceful or hierarchical appeal extends the litigation period,which must be initiated within two months of receiving a response,or in the absence of a response,within four months of the initial appeal.
Enforcement
The Secretary General of the Vosges Prefecture, the Departmental Director of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and the Protection of Populations, the commander of the Departmental Gendarmerie Group of the Vosges, and the mayor of Le Thillot are jointly responsible for the decree’s execution. Copies will be provided to Matthew Ringer, President of the AAPPMA Departmental Federation of Fisheries responsible for the AAPPMA in the Vosges, and the Le Thillot Town Hall.
Le Thillot Pond Under Surveillance: Your Questions Answered
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation at the “Chaume Étang” recreational pond in Le Thillot, France, following an increase in fish mortality. We will explore the key aspects of the prefectural decree issued on May 13, 2025, adn address common questions about the health emergency.
What is happening at the “Chaume Étang” pond in Le Thillot?
The “Chaume Étang” recreational pond in Le Thillot, France, is under strict surveillance. This follows an unexplained increase in fish mortality, prompting a prefectural decree issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Why is the pond under surveillance?
The surveillance is due to an unexplained increase in fish mortality. The Vosges prefecture has declared a health emergency to address a potential outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
Unfortunately, the provided text does not offer a definition of VHS. Because of that, I’m unable to provide a description of it.
What measures have been implemented due to the health emergency?
The Vosges prefecture has initiated several measures:
Animal Isolation and Sequestration: This includes a ban on the entry or exit of aquatic animals from the pond. The Departmental Director may authorize the sale or processing of fish for human consumption under specific conditions.
Clinical Examinations and Sampling: Mandatory testing to confirm the presence or absence of VHS.
Epidemiological Survey: An investigation by DDETSPP agents to determine the origin of the disease, potential contamination pathways, and the risk to othre aquaculture farms or the natural surroundings.
Hydrological Flow Control: Complete closure of all water inputs and outputs to the site, cessation of water intake upstream and discharges downstream, and daily monitoring for water leakage.
What is the purpose of animal isolation and sequestration?
The purpose is to prevent the spread of any potential disease, such as VHS, to other aquatic animals or bodies of water. This helps to contain the potential outbreak and protect the surrounding environment and other aquaculture facilities.
Can fish from the pond be sold or consumed?
The decree states that a ban exists and that the Departmental Director may authorize the sale or processing of fish for human consumption under specific conditions.
What is an epidemiological survey, and why is it necessary?
An epidemiological survey involves investigating the origin of the disease and potential contamination pathways; also, assessing the risk to other aquaculture farms or the natural surroundings. The survey is conducted by DDETSPP agents. This is essential to understand how the fish mortality occurred, identify the source of the potential VHS outbreak, and prevent further spread of disease.
What is hydrological flow control, and how does it work?
hydrological flow control refers to the management of water entering and leaving the pond.This includes:
Complete closure of all water inputs (water coming into the pond).
complete closure of all water outputs (water leaving the pond).
Cessation of water intake upstream.
Cessation of water discharges downstream.
Daily monitoring for any water leakage from the pond.
This control measures help to contain any potential contamination within the pond.
When will the surveillance order be lifted?
The surveillance order will be lifted only after laboratory analysis confirms both the absence of VHS and the absence of clinical signs in the fish population. Once these conditions are met, the aquaculture farm’s initial health status will be restored.
What happens if VHS is confirmed?
If laboratory analysis confirms the presence of VHS, a prefectural decree declaring an infection will be issued, superseding the current surveillance order.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with the decree?
Violations of Article 2 of the decree may result in penalties as outlined in articles R.228-1 to R.228-10 of the rural and maritime fishing code. The extent of the penalties depends on the nature and consequences of the offense.
How can someone appeal the decree?
The decree allows for appeals within two months of notification. There are three options:
A graceful appeal to the prefect.
A hierarchical appeal to the Minister in charge of agriculture.
A contentious appeal before the administrative court of Nancy via http://www.telerecours.fr.
What’s the appeal process?
Filing a graceful or hierarchical appeal extends the litigation period.
The litigation must be initiated within two months of receiving a response.
If there is no response, litigation must be initiated within four months of the initial appeal.
Who is responsible for enforcing the decree?
The following parties are jointly responsible for ensuring the decree’s execution:
The secretary General of the Vosges Prefecture.
The Departmental Director of Employment,Labor,Solidarity,and the Protection of Populations.
The commander of the Departmental Gendarmerie Group of the Vosges.
The mayor of Le Thillot.
Who receives copies of the decree?
Copies of the decree will be provided to:
Matthew Ringer, President of the AAPPMA Departmental Federation of Fisheries responsible for the AAPPMA in the Vosges.
* Le Thillot Town Hall.
Summary of Key Measures
Here’s a brief overview of the critical actions taken:
| Measure | Description | Purpose |
| ————————— | ————————————————————————————————————————— | ———————————————————————– |
| animal Isolation/Sequestration | Ban on aquatic animal entry/exit; Potential for authorized fish sale/processing; Clinical examinations; Epidemiological survey | Prevent spread, identify disease source |
| Hydrological Flow control | Closure of water inputs/outputs; Cessation of intake/discharge; Leakage monitoring | Contain potential contamination |
| Surveillance Lifting | Laboratory tests confirming the absence of VHS and clinical signs | Restore initial health status of the aquaculture farm |
| Penalties | Violations of Article 2 may result in penalties outlined in articles R.228-1 to R.228-10 of the rural and maritime fishing code. | Enforce compliance, deter violations |