Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)

VHS is an infectious disease of finfish. It is caused by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, which belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae.

In Canada, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a federally reportable disease. This means that anyone who owns or works with aquatic animals, who knows of or suspects Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia in the animals that they own or work with, is required by law to notify the CFIA.

Additional information

• Fact Sheet - Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)
• Federally Reportable Aquatic Animal Diseases in Canada - 2012
• Surveillance for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in Wild Fish in Canada  (Library and Archives Canada)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) restrictions regarding the movement of live fish susceptible to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)