January 2008, Mr. Pawlak participated voluntarily for several years (2003-2006) in a
Spring Viremia of Carp virus (SVCv) surveillance program run by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services (USDA
APHIS). All samples collected as part of this surveillance were submitted
to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, IA and all
fish from his farm sites tested negative for SVCv.
Since then Mr. Pawlak has been submitting (voluntarily) koi from his
different farm sites for SVCv testing as part of a University of Florida
grant project to determine the prevalence of SVCv in Florida commercially
reared koi and goldfish. The protocols followed during this project are in
line with recommendations for SVCv fish sampling and virus detection from
the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for establishing and
maintaining freedom of disease. Koi from Mr. Pawlak's Blountstown site
have been sampled in 2007 and 2008 where 150 koi were collected twice (for
a total of 300 fish per year) when pond water temperatures were below 68C.
Samples were collected under the supervision of an APHIS accredited
veterinarian (Dr. Denise Petty) and samples were submitted to the Kissimmee
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Kissimmee, FL which is USDA approved to test
for SVCv.
To date all samples submitted have been negative for SVCv. Some results
are still pending for 2008 collection times. Test results from the 2007
samples are available upon request.
Kathleen Hughes Hartman, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Aquaculture Epidemiologist
In May 2007, Blackwater Creek entered a number of fish into the American Koi Breeder Show, a show sponsored by the American Koi Breeders Association and the Southern Koi Expo. We brought over 50 koi to the show and drove home with 21 First Place ribbons. We also received 14 Second Place awards and 8 awards for Third Place. Below are a few photos of those who recieved blue ribbons.
There was a shortage of judges at this show so therefore, the judges grouped classes of koi together into larger, more general grades. This made each class more competitive and all the more satisfying for us to have recieved so many awards. As you browse these photos keep in mind that these koi would be placed into separate classes more fitting to their patterning and color.
We are often asked "Why should I buy your fish when I can get imports for a little more money?"
Glad you asked! We know where our fish come from... our ponds! You see, all of the fish sold from Blackwater Creek Koi Farms Inc. come from our ponds. Sounds simple enough but that's the key! We know what our fish have as far as blood lines (we can say with some assurity how our fish will turn out as they grow).
We know what diseases our fish have (or don't have) and can put our name on the line in saying that they are strong, healthy fish that have not been compromised by being exposed to any exotic diseases.
We are an American Company majority owned and operated by Americans. The money you spend with us goes to support hard working families that put forth great efforts each and every day to ensure the fish we send you are of a great quality. Spending money with us helps the American economy (as well as you own, generating profits for your company).
We are here for the long run. We've been in the fish business for many years and "it isn't easy"! When you have a question or a problem you can be sure that help is just a phone call away. Most issues have been experienced by us at one time or another. We know what we send you for fish and have more detailed info. If you are buying through a broker, it can be difficult to say where the fish were actually produced, what they may have been exposed to or what condition the fish were exposed to as they traveled through different hands.
What makes us different from other breeders? We produce over 20 varieties of koi. Because we are a closed facility, we do not allow fish to be brought onto our farms. This reduces any chance of getting the dreaded viral disease. Because of this, we must maintain enough broodstock (parent koi) to produce all the different varieties you may need/want. Each variety needs enough parent stock, not only to produce babies, but also to keep diversified genetics. For example, we cannot just keep a trio of kohaku to breed every year. What happens if we lose one? Therefore, we keep a minimum of 30 kohaku in the breeding ponds for use every year. Now multiply this by 20 varieties and you will see that it takes a lot of space, money and time to keep up the program. Now add in the butterfly varieties as well and you can see why we say "it isn't easy"! We have 4 farms currently in operation and each maintains it's own breeders.
Our koi are produced using high quality broodstock. We strive to produce healthy, quality fish comparable to the best imports. Our farms are located in central and north Florida and we have an 11 month growing season. Water temperatures in central Florida rarely drop below 50 degrees. In an average year we are able to produce tosai (1 year olds) of up to 9" in their first year.
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