Camellia Koi Club

Koi Health Advisors
What is a Koi Health Advisor (KHA)?

KHA's are private pond owners, just like you. They have owned ponds for several years and have graciously accepted the challenge of intensive study, commitment of time and personal expense to help members of Camellia Koi Club with questions and concerns about their ponds and fish.  Their specialized training is provided by Associate Koi Clubs of America (AKCA), supported and sponsored by the members of CKC, but 90% of the cost, work and equipment is born by the individual volunteers.  The studies provided by AKCA include formal courses (and graded tests) on Pond Design and construction, Water Quality, Pond Filtration, Koi Nutrition, Koi Anatomy and Physiology, Koi Health, and included a hands-on lab session conducted by three 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 Camellia 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 Camellia 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 Information Sheet" as possible.  We 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 information sheet is data you SHOULD be keeping in your pond notebook. You DO have a pond notebook don't you?!   Then, contact the KHA who is closest to you. If you live in Auburn, don't call the poor KHA who lives in Lodi and expect them to drive to your pond on a Friday afternoon!   Finally, go to the "KHA Contacts" page for a list of Names, Addresses and Contact information for the KHA nearest you.