April 7, 2008

USDA alters VHS Federal Order
 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has amended its Federal Order on viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), as it now requires permit before allowing imports of live non-salmonid fish from VHS-affected Canadian provinces for slaughter.

The revision of the Federal Order will facilitate trade of live non-salmonid fish between the US and Canada, with all shipments requiring an APHIS permit that will clearly state the conditions necessary to prevent the introduction of VHS.

APHIS is currently gathering more information about VHS, which is a highly contagious disease that causes internal hemorrhaging and death in more than 50 species of fish. In the meanwhile, a federal regulatory programme has been implemented that allows testing and certification before the interstate movement of fish vulnerable of VHS.

The new Federal Order will remain in effect until the establishment of new federal regulations for VHS.

The original Federal Order was issued in response to the swift spread of VHS in the Great Lakes region and the potential impact of the disease on fish species, including those raised commercially in the US.