| This type of VHS isn't a tape for your cassette | | | | The VHS virus affects fish differently worldwide. |
| player, but a fish disease that is rapidly spreading | | | | In Europe, for example, rainbow trout are highly |
| throughout the United States and the world. | | | | susceptible, while North American rainbow trout |
| Scientifically known as Viral Hemorrhagic | | | | seem to be immune. But overall, the list of |
| Septicemia, VHS was recently found in Lake | | | | infected species is growing and includes flounder, |
| Superior for the first time. The first Great Lake | | | | herring, salmon, whitefish, sea bass, cod, perch, |
| infection was found in 2003, and as of now every | | | | crappie, bass, bluegill, and more. |
| lake is infected. Large fish kills have been | | | | The disease is highly contagious, and quarantines |
| documented in lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron since | | | | are the only effective way to control outbreaks. |
| 2005. | | | | Unfortunately, oceans can't be quarantined. No |
| Worldwide, over 50 species of marine and | | | | anti-viral agents or vaccines have yet been |
| freshwater fish carry the VHS virus. Because the | | | | developed, and the outlook on stopping this |
| virus normally can't tolerate warmer waters- 59 | | | | disease is not promising. For now, scientists are |
| degrees and up-scientists thought warm-water | | | | concentrating on monitoring fish health and |
| fish species were immune, but this has changed. | | | | hatchery disinfection. Infected fish farms are |
| Scientists now believe the virus is mutating into a | | | | being drained and treated while dry to kill the |
| new substrain that is infecting warm-water | | | | virus. But these methods are limited, and |
| species, although as of yet no outbreaks have | | | | scientists are scrambling to find ways to better |
| been reported in waters over 64 degrees. | | | | fight this disease as it continues to spread. |