What is a Koi Health Advisor?

Koi Health Advisors (KHA) are the coolest folks on the block. Really, they are private pond owners, just like you. They have owned ponds for several years, have a very strong desire to learn more about Koi Health and have graciously accepted the enormous challenge of a National Program of intensive study. They have graciously agreed to a commitment of time and personal expense to help members of Atlanta Koi Club with questions and concerns about their ponds and fish. Their intensive specialized training is provided by Associated Koi Clubs of America (AKCA), and supported by the Atlanta Koi Club.  But remember, more than 90% of the cost, 100% of the work and equipment is donated by the individual KHA volunteers.

The studies provided by AKCA take about one year to complete include formal courses (and graded exams) on Pond Design and Construction, Water Quality, Pond Filtration, Koi Nutrition, Koi Anatomy and Physiology, Koi Health, and included a hands-on Wet Lab sessions conducted by world recognized expert Fish Veterinarians. Some of the course work is taken from graduate classes at major universities. As you can see, this is far and above what the average pond owner would have access to, or time to study.

The KHA students were allowed to volunteer based on several criteria: Their demonstrated commitment to maintaining healthy koi, their history of active participation in koi club activities, their commitment to help others without remuneration, and the fact that they are not now, nor will be in the future, a koi "professional" - i.e., making money from their koi activities. But, KHA's ARE NOT veterinarians and are not intended to be, nor will they replace your local veterinarian! If you don't have a vet., the KHA will help you as much as possible and refer you to a veterinarian where appropriate. You must also remember that although a KHA is, just like any other club member, willing to help you with your pond and koi, the ultimate responsibility for the health and welfare of your koi belongs to... YOU.

 

How can a KHA help you?

They can help you find a qualified veterinarian if appropriate, they can advise you on many topics related to koi and pond questions. They can help you find solutions to many of your common problems, and over time they can help educate members of the Atlanta Koi Club. So what steps should you take to make use of our KHA's? As stated above, KHA's are only available to help members of the Atlanta Koi Club, so consider Membership if you aren't a member already.

First, read and be prepared to sign a "Hold Harmless Agreement". Sorry, but in this world all of us must protect ourselves as much as possible. Second, fill out as much of the "KHA Medical History Sheet" as possible. We will need information about you, your pond, and your koi before we can do you any good. The more data you can provide us, the greater our chances of providing meaningful advice. This information might also help us advise you on possible solutions without having to drive to your pond. In truth, the information on the Medical History sheet is data you SHOULD be keeping in your pond logbook. You DO have a pond Logbook don't you?!

The KHA’s do not charge for pond visits. They do however expect to be reimbursed for supplies/chemicals used to help your pond. In today’s age of high fuel prices, helping defer their cost of mileage to and from their residence would also be appropriate. Any labs, consults, vet visits, or medications from vets are the pond owner’s responsibility also. Donations to the KHA Fund are always appropriate. The KHA’s are always looking to acquire state of the art testing equipment to help with pond visits and the health of fish. Diagnostic Tools are expensive. A wish list is maintained at all times.

Finally, here are the names and contact information for the KHAs in the Atlanta area:

Interesting Articles (Many written by Our KHAs)

KHA Corner

Help Your KHAs Help You

Water Quality

Why and How We should Quarantine

CPR and Ulcers

Ulcers Revisited

Coming Out of Cold Weather

Coming Out of Cold Weather Part 2

Homemade Dechlorinator

Koi Hate Change!

Aeromonas Alley

Introduction to Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP)

Koi Variety Identification

Water Changes

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