Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus is a serious fish pathogen of much concern in the Great Lakes region including Lake Erie. At first, VHS was thought to affect only trout species, but a new strain of the virus is now affecting numerous game and non-game species in the region. Some infected fish will exhibit no external signs while others will exhibit bulging eyes, bloated abdomens, inactive or overactive behavior, lesions, and hemorrhaging in the eyes, skin, gills, and base of the fins. VHS has no implications for human health.
The disease is easily transmitted between fish, results in a high fish mortality rate, and has potentially severe economic and recreation impacts. VHS has not been detected in the inland waters of Cleveland Metroparks (although Huntington Reservation is on Lake Erie) and we all need to do our part to keep it that way. DO NOT transport fish, aquatic plants or animals, or water from one body of water to another including ponds, rivers, aquariums, lakes and streams. Please thoroughly clean any boating and fishing equipment before transporting between waterways. A recent report on VHS can be found at the Ohio Sea Grant College Program web page.
