POPULAR Canvey Lake has been declared a no go area for anglers after it emerged fish are being wiped out by a devastating herpes virus.

The Island's two-mile-long lake has been closed to anglers - and could remain shut for a year - after scores of dead carp were discovered floating in the water.

Tests carried out by experts from the centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science found fish had been infected with koi herpes.

Nearly 400 fish have so far died from the virus, though the disease cannot be passed to humans.

Government officials have banned anglers from fishing in the lake, in a bid to prevent the spread of the illness.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs' newly imposed designated area order restricts the movement of live fish in and out of the lake, and is expected to remain in place for up to 12 months.

Paul Inkson, chairman of Canvey Angling Club, said: "It looks like someone introduced an affected ornamental fish like a koi or goldfish into the water, and that's why we've got the disease in the lake.

"The club has stopped all fishing until we sort out what's happened.

"This bug has a horrible habit of flaring up again, so we are being advised to keep the lake closed until we have no more dead fish. The good news is the remaining carp will be left resistant.

"The response from members has been good, but some day ticket holders have got the hump the lake's been closed."

John Bannister, club secretary, said the results had confirmed anglers' fears, but had helped quash rumours workmen installing a sewer pipe near the lake had infected the fish.

Dan Hayter, the Environment Agency's fisheries spokesman said: "It's important for people to realise how easy it is for the virus to spread, either by illegally transporting fish to and from the lake, or through contaminated nets and equipment."