What is the primary concern associated with carp pox lesions?

The primary concern associated with carp pox lesions is indeed cosmetic in nature. Carp pox, caused by the cyprinid herpesvirus, results in the appearance of white, raised lesions on the skin and fins of affected fish. While these lesions may not directly cause significant harm or immediate health risks to the fish, they can lead to a reduced aesthetic appeal, which is particularly important in ornamental fish markets and aquaculture settings where visual quality is a crucial factor for sales.

Although there may be some indirect effects on swimming ability or potential stress responses related to the lesions, they typically do not pose a severe health risk or lead to increased mortality in healthy fish populations. The transmission of carp pox to humans is not a concern, as the virus is specific to fish and does not affect human health. Therefore, the cosmetic aspect of the lesions takes precedence as the primary concern when assessing the impact of carp pox.