THE NEXT MEETING OF

ASSOCIATED KOI CLUBS OF AMERICA

Will be held Friday, SEPTEMBER 14, 2001

AT 7 P.M.

At the

QUAKER CITY FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN

1701 N. Euclid Street

Fullerton, CA

AGENDA

August AKCA Meeting Minutes

August Financial Statements

Committee Reports

AKCA Contact Reports

Proxy Call Questions

Old business

New Business

October, 2001 Meeting Date (12th)

Refreshments for October Tom Graham

OFFICERS

Chairperson ... Larry Leverett 909 781‑3887

Vice Chairperson ..................... Doug Dahl (714) 731‑5610 e‑mail: judgedahl@hotmail.com

2002 Seminar Chairperson ...... Mark Whalen (714) 775‑7011

2002 Host Club Chairperson .. Sheila Jackson (510) 724‑4428

Secretary Carole Elliott (714) 968‑5624e‑mail koicarole@earthlink.net

Chief Financial Officer Carl Caddies (562) 943‑8197e‑mail caddies@KOIUSA.com

AKCA Minutes of August 10, 2001

Officers Present: Chair:Larry Leverett Vice Chair‑ Doug Dahl

Directors Present: Judy Caddies (Nishiki) Lisa Barnett (Nishiki) Burt Ballou (OCZNA,6 clubs) Harlan Glenn (San Diego) Joyce Glenn (Ikiru Hoseki/Wash) Kelly Houston (Inland)

Guests: Tom Graham Tom Gates, M.D.

(Please note that clubs that AKCA Board members represent will NOT be listed individually except in the case of their primary club)

CLUBS THAT NEED TO PAY THEIR DUES!

Austin Pond Society, Capital Area Koi & Water Gardening Club, Cherokee Strip Water Garden Society,

Chesapeake & Potomac Koi & W/G Society, Gainesville Koi, Goldfish & W/G Club,

Great Ponds & Koi Society of West Michigan, Greater Boston Koi Keepers Society, Greater Dayton Koi Club,

Gulf Coast Koi Society, High Desert Koi Fanciers, Idaho Water Garden Society, Indiana Koi Club, Joy of Koi,

Koi Club of San Diego, Koi Keepers Society of Puerto Rico., Michigan Koi & Pond Clubs,

Missouri Water Gardening & Koi Assoc., Niagara Frontier Koi & Pond Club, Northern Midwest & ZNA Koi Society, Ohio Koi Club, Piedmont Koi & Water Garden Club, Prince George Koi & Garden Club, Saline County Water Garden Club, Showa Koi Club, Sierra Koi Club, Southern Arizona Koi Association ion, St Johns Koi & Water Garden Club, Valley of the Sun Koi Society, Washington Koi, Water Garden Club of S Texas, West Tennessee Pond Soc. ZNA Orange County

Board Highights

The following clubs will receive the $400 Speaker Grant: Koi Club of San Diego, Dai‑Ichi Koi & Japanese Garden Club of British Columbia, Central Florida Koi Club, and Genesee Valley Pond & Koi Club.

Bob Finnegan recently suffered a heart attack and is home recuperating. We wish him well and a speedy recovery! WE MISS YOU!!

The Koi Health Technician program name has been changed to Koi Heath Assistant

The meeting was called to order by Larry Leverett. There are 103 member clubs.

MINUTES: Motion; To accept the minutes of July, 2001. Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Doug. Approved

JULY FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Judy handed out the financial report; for July, AKCA had a minus profit of $5,321.21. The final net income for the 2001 Seminar should be around $741.00. There were 321 registered; 184 for Friday night dinner; 299 for Saturday night banquet; 297 for pond tour, and 308 people paid to see trade show. Motion To accept the Financial report. Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joyce. Approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

KOI USA: Tom is interviewing two people for marketing person who should be at their next meeting. Discussion about binding on the magazine. Discussion about price of magazines sent internationally.

Tom is talking to someone about a new portal site (not owned by a company selling something, an

independent entity). This is the same people that do mykoi.com .... this would probably replace that site.

He felt that we have similar goals; would bring internet and marketing promotion skills; web

development; on‑line communities; hosting technology; history of rapid penetration on the internet.

Discussion of using the site and getting articles out. Further discussion. Burt had concern about what went out; how much latitude? Tom stated that Joyce would be the point person. Nothing would run from either AKCA or KOI USA without our prior approval. Motion: To authorize Tom Graham to negotiate it further with the proviso that we have control over what gets into it from either KOI USA/AKCA; to get as many answers as possible for the next meeting and authorize the free portion now. Motion by Harlan, 2nd by Lisa. Approved

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE: Spike stated that they didn't do very good at meeting their goals last month. He received a response from the California Veterinary Medical Board and reviewed it with Mike Collins (lawyer). They decided on a strategy for compliance; changed the name of the program Koi Health Assistant (key word is assisting the owner). They completed the first draft of the pond design section (in revision now) and sent out invitation letters to all clubs in Regions 3, 4 and 9 (31 clubs, 98 KHA slots). In his cover letter, he asked that any extra applications be returned so that they can be used to fill in as substitute slots. We need to stay away from concept that the KHA's are representatives of AKCA. Want to leave it up to individual clubs to police these people; they should all be hobbyists. They need to comply with the laws of their state; Spike can send them their vet law and have them review and interpret. Motion: To include in the minutes the koi herpes virus letter. Motion by Doug, 2nd by Burt. Approved.

See Attached Koi Herpes Virus Letter

MEMBERSHIP: Doug tried twice to contact the Canada club that sent in their application a year ago; will keep trying. He has updated the status of all the clubs that have come in this year as well as checking through the process of where the info goes to. It looks like we have met all obligations to these clubs, including books and guides. He wants to call all the clubs to verify that they have indeed received them. Will also verify that they're getting the minutes and KOI USA.

JUDGING: Doug talked to Gene Ewy who had just talked to Bob (Bob recently suffered a heart attack); he is doing better and resting at home.

SPEAKERS BUREAU: No report.

SPEAKERS GRANT: Burt divided the clubs into four areas; using numbered ping pong balls, clubs were picked. The four winning clubs were Koi Club of San Diego, Genesee Valley Pond and Koi Society, Daichi Koi & Japanese Garden Club of British Columbia, and Central Florida Koi Club. Larry will send out a letter to these clubs informing them that they are the recipient of a $400 Speakers Grant that must be used by next June 30, 2002.

GUIDES: The following clubs have NOT sent in their rosters NO Roster NO Guides

Atlanta Koi Club, Bakersfield Koi & WG Society, Central Alabama Koi & Water Garden, Inland Empire WG & Koi Society, Mid‑Michigan Koi & WG Club, Moto Kara Koi Kai, Mountaineer Koi Club, Northern Lights Koi Club, Santa Clara Valley Koi & WG Club, Tropical Koi Club of Florida, ZNA So Cal

The revised Health guides are in and will be sent out to those clubs who have sent in their rosters.

SEMINAR REPORTS:

2002 SEMINAR: Burt spoke with Sheila Jackson; her club had a meeting last week. Have most of the committee logistics worked out. They are contacting each club; also has a web site that Phred created for the Seminar.

2003 SEMINARS: Doug spoke with Chris Miller several times; have arranged to be assistant judge .in Atlanta on the 15th of Sept. Will ask that their team meet with him when he is in town. Will also go over budget with them.

2004/2005 SEMINARS: Open; Spokane is considering hosting; Valley of the Sun is also interested.

REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS:

Written report submitted by Burt: Carl Fridenstine, of Santa Clara Valley Koi said that their pond tour was a big success; 1,400+ attendees; had dinner afterwards for volunteers (60 attendees). Election for club and board of directors coming up in October. Sheila Jackson, of San Francisco Bay KC said that the minutes went to Phred Jackson's house instead of hers. They are working on the upcoming AKCA Seminar (June, 2002); had a talk on predators and their deterrents. Will have a joint koi auction with Santa Clara soon. Linda Montgomery, of Cascade K&GFS, got the KHA invitation letter from Spike. Their annual picnic will be at Joyce Nagy's house. Peter Enfield, of Pacific Wonderland, gave slates to the judges at the Northwest koi show; is starting the Champion of Champion slates. Chris Schroettinger, of Central Florida KC, said that they didn't have a meeting last month due to heat; next meeting will be at Water World. Arthur Manaker, of Nature's Cost K&WGC, said that they are planning for their koi show in October. Jackie Welch, of Oklahoma KC, said that everything is concentrated on their upcoming koi show, Sept. 1st & 2nd; Japanese style. Norbun Watson, of Warner Robins, said that they will have a night pond tour on Oct. 2nd ; the money will go to the Red Cross. Debby Tibbetts‑Young, of So. Arizona KC, said that they had a great picnic and a dealer's home and planning for a koi show.

Written report submitted by Carole: Diane Meinke, of Florida K&WGS had their June meeting at KellyCo Watergardens. They enjoyed wonderful prizes that Kelly Co donated for their raffle, especially the koi and the beautiful water lily plant as well as great food. They will have their anniversary party on August 26th; no club business; Just fun!! Each month they send out a terrific newsletter (8 pages) discussing their previous meeting along with pictures, discussion and map of upcoming meeting, ads for local koi merchants, etc., financial report, listing of officers and koi health info. George Daskaluk, of Golden Horseshoe K&PC said that they have had a great summer; club is on a summer siesta but do have barbecues and pond tours. They just had a Hamilton Pond Tour with 80 people; barbecue in July, which is always a moneymaker, and will have another pond tour in Cayugo. Their meetings will start in Sept. and end the year with a Christmas party. Michael Baker of Central Alabama K&WGS said that they just had their 2nd Pond Tour; they meet on the 4th Sunday of every month. Mike will be going to KOI America. Ron Bergman, of Miami Valley WGS said that Judy Endsley and Bob Dice, of Ohio Koi Club, recently spoke to their club; had 70 members. Their pond tour was in July; well attended; homes opened up at night to show night lights. Asked about Kelly and wanted to know how Bob Finnegan was doing. Larry Hursh, of Genesee Valley Pond , said that they were at Spurgeon Water Garden & Nursery; had a lily fest. Also had a speaker on alternate fish. In July, there was a pond tour with 8 ponds; finished with picnics. In September, they will have a tour of an oriental gardens supply. In August, Larry gave a brief talk about the methods of controlling algae and showed a PBS video, "The Secrets of the Pharohs Unwrapping the Mummy", that showed the Blue Nile Lotus. Larry said that people in the Syracuse and Albany, New York areas are asking for help! ... they want to know if there are any dealers or knowledgeable people in the area? Mike Przewoznik, of High Desert Koi Fanciers, said that he STILL hasn't received the "Koi Person of the Year" award .... this is the 2nd year their club has had problems. Both years they have sent the information to Burt Ballou. Their club is getting fed up with AKCA; also not getting things in KOI USA (Perhaps Brenda or Joyce should call him). Right now they are doing pond tours. They recently lost a very special member to cancer. Barbara Gantt of South Carolina K&WGS said that their recent pond tour was very successful; had 13 ponds. They have 109 family members; they've had up to 68 at one meeting. In August, a member of Showa Koi Club will be bringing fish for their members to purchase. In September there will be a demonstration on the use of different kinds of rock around the pond. Barbara said that Blue Ridge Fish Hatcheries just had an outbreak of gill disease and had to destroy all their fish (just happened in the last several days); will be out of business for awhile. She said that a lot of people have lost fish .... all these people had liner ponds with rocks lined on the bottom. Debbie Hartmann, of Southwest Koi & Pond said that they just had a meeting at a local establishment that has a stream running through it. They send out a newsletter each month and include a calendar section that lists upcoming events for all clubs in the area. Unable to reach, the following clubs but did leave a message: County WGC of Missouri, Puget Sound KC, Bakersfield K&WGS, Valley of the Sun. South, Carolina K&WGS, & Eastern Iowa Pond Society.

Written report submitted by Doug: David Smothers, of North Carolina Club, reported they had 16 people at their last meeting which they thought was good for a new club. They verified receipt of AKCA Guides, books, board meeting minutes and complimentary KOI US magazines. Art Lembke, of Mid Atlantic KC, reports their club is really busy getting ready for KOI America 2001 and they hope many AKCA club members can attend August 17‑19. Their advertising will include live news shows for local TV. They will have over 100 booths displaying and selling koi, water garden and pond related products. Three display ponds will be set up for public viewing.

Great speakers are scheduled to give talks including a Japanese dealer visiting the US for the first time who will bring koi to sell. Entry cost will be $5 per day; free for MAKC members. Coupons are available at local nurseries and at McDonalds. Kay Larson, of Olympic KC, verified receipt of board meeting minutes, complimentary KOI USA magazines and KHA packet. Kay thanked AKCA for the heads up on the gill disease that hit Golden State Fisheries in Sacramento who distributes koi to members and local dealers. They will inform their members. Their August meeting was a potluck at the home of their Treasurer which is full of ponds, tiny pools, running

water, water lilies and many other types of plants and ground covers. The yard was a mini tour all by itself. Walt, a water lily specialist, gave a super demonstration on dividing and replanting water lilies. Tim and Caroline Putaansuu were presented the Ed Fujimoto Inspirational Award for designing the club web. site and club posters. The pond tour in July went very well and netted a couple of new club memberships. Their Sept. meeting will be a combined picnic with Klahanie Koi Club. Ronal Davis, of Tulsa KC, reports they approved and adopted their club by laws. Some new officers were selected: Deborah Norman as Vice President and Ron Davis as Treasurer. Joe Russell will continue as President. Their last had Allen Hill present koi identification. Allen will also be the Show Chairman for their first koi show scheduled for 2002; will have a pond tour and cookout Aug ust 18th Doug reports he tried but was unable to get return messages from the following clubs: Blue Water Pond Club and Kansas Pond Society

Written report for Bob & Joan Finnegan submitted by Doug : Tom Tower, of Niagara Koi & Ponds, said they had put on a display at the local Fair and several of their members were looking forward to attending Koi America. Alan Lemont, of Forest City Pond Club, said they have an upcoming pond tour on Aug. 18 and a club barbecue on Aug 12 plus they have provided club displays at two recent water festivals. Gary Williams, of West Tennessee, said they have a pond tour set up for Sept. and a club picnic planned for Oct. Charles Phelps, of Greater Louisville Club, reported their pond tour last month was very successful and they are having a club picnic this month. Mona Coleman, of Northern Nevada Club, said they had a successful Seminar by Dr. Johnson in March successful pond tour in June. Jill Taylor, of Rocky Mountain Club, reported a very successful pond tour in July and currently planning their koi show for Labor Day weekend. They will dedicate their August meeting to discussions on proper transportation and handling of koi for koi shows, how judging is done and types of awards. This is the first time they have had vendors at their koi show and it is becoming a learning experience. Their Board has established a Welcome Committee to visit new members and provide a welcome koi including AKCA guides, pins, KOI USA and past newsletters. They have created a Members location map to help their members find the 200 other family members around Denver. Officer elections are planned for October. This club has requested AKCA to prepare and distribute an AKCA Koi Identification Guide. Doug Dahl reported that So Cal Koi Club has postponed their koi auction due to Bob Finnegan's heart attack and hopes Bob will get well soon. They are also planning a one day English style koi show in December. (Note from Doug Dahl ‑‑‑‑ Bob Finnegan....all of the clubs I contacted and all of your friends wish you a speedy recovery. ) Doug reports he tried but was unable to get return messages from the following clubs: Tropical KC North Florida KC, Indiana KC, WGC of South Texas and Northwest ZNA.

Written report submitted by Larry: Debra Rangel, of St. John's K&WGC, said they are still committed to AKCA but are struggling with only 4 members. Jeanette Keim, of Mid‑Michigan Pond & WGC filled in for their president Darlene Jennings who is recuperating from surgery for blocked arteries. Alice Kitselman‑Ames, of Santa Fe Pond Society, said that she and Trenton Ames attended the Northwest Koi & Goldfish clubs show in Portland, Oregon. They are organizing a "Pond‑Hop" for members to see ponds and homes of members. It will be a traveling potluck. Judy Endsley, of Ohio Koi Club said their club had a pond seining at a members pond. They didn't have a net big enough so only got 4 large fish out. They did get hundreds of babies, which they sold to members for $1.00 a piece with 33% going to the club.

Written report submitted by Kelly: Dee Butler, of Shasta K&WGC, said that their next meeting will

be on August 18th at Andrew & Louise's lovely large pond; their annual auction will be at Andrew & Louise Hennion's. Ralph McGowen, of Inland Empire WG&KS, said that their meeting was August 2nd at Jeff & Cindy Dearing's. They will have their board and business meeting on August 7th at Chuck & Alice Harmon's home. The Inland Koi Society will participate in the Nisei Week.... A Japanese Festival and Grand Parade. They are having a joint meeting with San Diego Koi Club; the program will be on "raising koi in Thailand" and how the proceeds from raising were profitable for a child orphanage center. Linda Siler, of Springfield Water Garden Society

said that their club meeting will be August 9th; program on container gardening in your pond. They will have a board meeting at the Silk Road on August 16th . Don Hellard, of Gainesville K&GWGC will have a joint meeting with Nature's Coast Koi & Watergarden Club on Augustv 19th

PROXY CALLS FOR SEPTEMBER

Check list for clubs who haven't paid dues, sent in rosters ... remind clubs! What club wants to host the 2004 & 2005 Seminar?

OLD BUSINESS:

Insurance: Burt stated that he can't send out the letter until he gets something back from them. The liability policy has been renewed; there is a $57.00 difference.

NEW BUSINESS:

Club Guides: Judy handed out a list of clubs that have gotten guides. Look on the list; while you are talking to your reps, remind them to send in their club roster (no roster ‑ ‑‑‑ no guides). Most clubs have not received the new health guide. We don't have any more pond construction guides. We have a bid for the pond construction guides; went to two different people for bids. Partner press came to $2.61 each for 2,000 and Lapis Publications was $4.11 each. Will go with Partner press for 3,000 at $2.02 each. Motion: To print 3,000 pond construction guides at a cost of $6,061.00. Motion by Doug, 2nd by Joyce. Approved

CFO: Judy stated that we need to start looking for a new Chief Financial Officer; needs someone on the board to write and sign checks (to pay bills). Carl will be happy to continue the reports if he gets paid for it.

300 Term Japanese Dictionary Terms: Doug did it for the Seminar; won't be used for Seminar but will be available. Doug offered it to KOI USA; do we want it on the Web site? Burt felt that this might be a good guide.

Koi Classification: Doug did this; Will be available. One club requested a koi classification guide. Burt stated that AKCA gave him approval over a year ago to do one. Hasn't had time to work on; will be done ... just a matter of time. Doug suggested giving it to the judging committee to help work on. Burt stated that he had already asked judging committee to help; Doug said he would continue to push for this. Motion: AKCA to direct the judging committee to work with Burt and assign various members classifications, making this in book form. Motion by Doug, 2nd by Larry. Approved

Motion to adjourn. Motion by Joyce, 2nd by Lisa. Approved

Respectfully submitted,

Carole Elliott Secretary

The Koi Herpes Virus Isn't Gone Just Yet

Koi purchased at the Golden State Fisheries, a fish farm in the Sacramento area of California, have been linked to many pond wipe outs (most all the fish dies) with literally hundreds of fish involved. UC Davis has reportedly confirmed the presence of the same koi herpes virus WM that infected koi on the East Coast in 1998. The fish farm has been temporarily shut down by the California Department of Fish and Game and a plan to destroy all remaining stock is reportedly being drafted. The farm is also reported to wholesale Fish throughout the country.

The bottom line: don't count on this bug being gone just yet. It seems to have somehow survived to fight another day. Those who think it safe to go back to the Japanese style koi show, out to give this latest development more than a casual thought. And quarantine has definitely not become unnecessary. If the hobby has learned anything over the years, we hope it's been that even if this disease goes away, there will be another one, maybe even worse, along to take its place in the not to distant future. So be safe or potentially be sorry.

The above is written in the colloquial style so that we don't loose folks in scientific jargon. For those who seek a bit more decorum and some details of the science, we have the following carefully worded statement from a pathologist at the California Department of Fish and Game.

Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) is suspected of having caused pond owners in the Sacramento and surrounding areas to lose hundreds of koi during the months of March through June of this year, after introducing infected koi to their ponds. Though it is suspected to have killed koi and common carp for a number of years in various parts of the world, including the U.S. (Wisconsin, New York, and southern California) this is the first report of it surfacing in northern California.

KHV was isolated for the first time after a koi fin cell line was developed at the University of California, Davis (UCD) in 1996. This made it possible to grow the virus in a laboratory situation and allowed for the development of a DNA PCR test now used to confirm positive assays. It has also made it possible to conduct controlled studies to learn more about the nature of the vim. Research is currently underway or planned to answer questions such as: how long the virus survives outside its host and what disinfection methods are effective; whether additional species are able to carry and shed the virus; whether exposed Fish become carriers, or can experience recurring episodes should conditions become favorable for the virus; or it once exposed the fish become immune, with no live or dormant virus remaining.

The disease has a known temperature range from 18 to 23E (64 ‑ 73E F) This results in seasonal disease outbreaks occurring in spring and fall. Mortality typically occurs I to 2 weeks after exposure, and may affect as much as 80% of koi in a pond. Signs of the disease include excessive mucous production and mottling of the gills, causing the fish to appear to be gasping for air. Often accompanying infections of bacteria and/or parasites are present.

It is not known whether kills of common carp, reported in various bodies of water in the state, arc caused by the vim, and the assay will be used to determine this in the future. It appears that goldfish to not get infected with the virus, but it is not known if silver carp (goldfish/carp hybrid) are susceptible.

It is difficult to detect the virus in fish that are not sick, which makes screening a population/shipment unreliable. Even quarantining of fish at a water temperature outside the virus' range, in a relatively stress‑free environment, may not protect the receiver from a future outbreak caused by carrier fish. It is possible for a healthy looking fish to pass the virus to another koi sharing the same water, so practicing good hygiene and separating fish shown for judging is smart.

SUGGESTIONS:

Buy fish from a reputable dealer and be observant about the conditions of the tanks and fish in general. Ask them if THEY quarantine their incoming fish.

Quarantine all fish for a period of at least two weeks (three is best) before adding them to any pond. Even an empty pond may become contaminated for future fish if the introduced fish is shedding a virus or toehr pathogen. Ideally the water temperature should be within the virus' range. If you have a koi you are willing to use as a "guinea pig", add it to the quarantine tank to monitor for shed virus. Disinfect the quarantine tank between batches of fish.

Based on current information, the best way to eliminate the virus from a lined pond is to expose aft surfaces to 200 parts per million chlorine for a day (roughly I gallon of household bleach for every 250 gallons of water), and then dry the pond in sunlight for a week before refilling. However, we may discover that getting rid of KHV is as simple as removing all koi/carp from the pond for a week or two before reintroducing koi. Or it may take something in between. The Department of Fish and Game and UCD researchers expect to have more answers by the end of the year, after fall water temperatures once again decline to the virus' range, but it is up to koi owners and future owners to protect themselves as much as possible until more information can be gathered.