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Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)
- Kills a broad range of fish species
- Currently isolated to the Great Lakes basin
- Clean boats and other equipment before traveling between lakes
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, known as VHS, is a lethal virus that infects freshwater fish in the Great Lakes region of North America. The virus is not dangerous to humans, but has been linked to several large fish kills. VHS causes massive internal bleeding in a known 37 species of fish in the Great Lakes basin, including walleye, freshwater drum, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, shad, muskellunge, and northern pike. Emerald shiners, a popular baitfish, are also affected.
Once infected with VHS, some fish show no external symptoms. Others, however, show signs of infection that may include bulging eyes, bloated abdomens, and/or bruised-looking reddish tints to the eyes, skin, gills and fins. Some infected fish have open sores that may look like the lesions from other diseases or from lamprey attacks.
On January 25, 2007, VHS was detected in Lake Huron for the first time. Previously, VHS had been found only in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and in Lake St. Clair, which links Lake Erie and Lake Huron. So far, this disease has not reached Oneida Lake.
To prevent the spread of VHS, several precautions should be taken. Boats, trailers, nets and other equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before traveling between lakes and streams. A solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water is recommended, as it effectively kills the VHS virus and other germs that cause disease. This solution also kills a wide range of aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels. Additionally, baitfish should only be used on the lake they were collected from, or should be obtained from a dealer with certified disease free fish.
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