Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) is a disease affecting fish
in the Great Lakes watershed and it is spreading to inland waters.
The disease can be spread to other
waterways through live baitfish, fresh fish eggs, live fish, bilge and bait bucket water and uncleaned
fishing gear or boats. Although fish may appear healthy, they can still carry and spread VHS.
Identify the Disease
Infected fish may exhibit varying degrees of hemorrhaging, but typical external
symptoms include hemorrhaging and redness at the base of fins, around the eyes, red patches of skin
on or near the head and a swollen abdomen.