Description

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) causes high mortalities in farmed marine and freshwater fish. It is widely distributed in a number of fish species in the marine environment. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in spring and autumn in temperatures below 14^oC with young fish being most susceptible. VHS can infect salmonids, grayling, whitefish (Coregonus sp), pike and turbot.

Signs of Infection

Signs of the disease include pale gills dark body colour, fluid in the body cavity, bulging eye, intermittent periods of erratic spiralling behaviour and rapid respiration. Haemorrhage is often evident in the eyes and skin, and also in the guts and skeletal muscle.

Pathways

The virus can be transmitted by diseased fish, birds, blood-sucking parasites and equipment.