Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Threatens Fish Farms Anglers Warned

Have you ever reeled in a fish only to find it bleeding, with bulging eyes and abnormally pale organs? Don't panic—you haven't caught some mythical water monster. You're likely looking at a case of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), a highly contagious fish disease often called "aquatic Ebola." This condition poses significant challenges for anglers and aquaculture operations alike.

First identified in Lake Ontario in 2005, VHS is caused by a virus that affects both freshwater and marine fish species. The disease spreads rapidly, particularly during spring when water temperatures fluctuate dramatically and fish enter their spawning season. The Great Lakes strain of VHS threatens numerous species, including popular game fish and baitfish.

The VHS virus targets a wide range of fish:

• Walleye
• Yellow perch
• Muskellunge
• Smallmouth bass
• Rock bass
• Chinook salmon
• Black crappie
• White bass

• Emerald shiners
• Bluntnose minnows
• Spottail shiners

• Freshwater drum
• Round goby
• Gizzard shad

VHS-infected fish may display these symptoms (though some show no visible signs):

• Pale gills and organs
• Swollen abdomen
• Bulging eyes
• Internal and external hemorrhaging
• Darkened body coloration

VHS poses no risk to human health—handling or consuming infected fish is safe. However, experts recommend avoiding visibly sick, dying, or dead fish as a precaution.

• Waterborne transmission (virus survives in water)
• Direct contact with infected fish or their bodily fluids
• Contaminated equipment (boats, fishing gear, etc.)

These lakes and their tributaries are confirmed VHS-positive zones:

• Lake Ontario
• Lake Erie
• Lake Huron
• Lake Simcoe (since 2011)

Authorities implement several control measures:

• Public education campaigns
• Restrictions on commercial baitfish movement
• Limits on wild egg collection
• Random sampling surveys
• Targeted sampling during fish die-offs

Recreational fishers can help contain VHS spread:

• Dump unused bait at least 30 meters from water bodies
• Dispose of fish waste in trash—never in waterways
• Drain live wells away from water sources

• Use locally caught baitfish and eggs
• Verify bait suppliers source locally

• Remove debris from gear before leaving fishing sites
• Disinfect live wells with 10% bleach solution after fishing in VHS-positive waters

Fish farmers should implement:

• Strict quarantine protocols
• Regular health screenings
• Equipment disinfection stations
• Proper carcass disposal methods
• Health certification for imported stock

No VHS cases have been reported in aquarium fish, but precautions apply:

• Never release ornamental fish into natural waters
• Don't collect wild fish for aquariums
• Dispose of dead fish properly—never flush them

Key legal considerations:

• Anglers may use roe from legally caught fish as bait
• Sharing roe with other anglers is permitted
• Selling or trading roe is prohibited
• Dumping bait buckets into water bodies is illegal