VHS fish disease a potential threat to US aquaculture industry

For the first time, the presence of an exceptionally virulent fish virus (viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus or VHSV) has been identified in fish from Lake Superior by US researchers.

 

The disease (VHS) caused by the virus can result in significant losses in fish reared by aquaculture. It is of sufficient global concern to be one of only nine fish diseases that must be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

 

The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, and although in the family of viruses that includes rabies, is not harmful to humans.

 

Cornell University investigators tested 874 fish collected last summer from seven sites in Lake Superior. Using a new genetic test developed at Cornell, fish from four of seven sites tested positive for the virus. The VHSV-positive species included yellow perch, white sucker, rock bass and bluegill.

 

To confirm these findings, tissues from fish at one of the sites (Paradise) were sent to the USGS Western Fisheries Research Centre where VHSV experts Dr. Gael Kurath and Dr. James Winton provided independent confirmation of the Cornell findings. 

 

''VHS is one of the most important diseases of finfish,'' said Dr. Winton. ''It not only affects the health and well-being of populations of several important native fish species, but it can also impact trade, and should it spread into the US aquaculture industry, could do substantial damage as happened in Europe and parts of Japan.''