In Iraq in late October 2018, many common carp fish in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers died due to sickness. They showed symptoms like being tired, having trouble breathing, and gills that were not normal in color. During tests, certain parasites were found, and the fish were also found to have koi herpesvirus (KHV) and carp oedema virus. This discovery was confirmed by a special laboratory in the UK. It is the first time these two viruses have been found in Iraq.