Barometer Check: Another Look at the Federal Approach to VHS Management in the Great Lakes

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) is a highly contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish, caused by a rhabdovirus.  It is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).  In 2005-2007, VHS outbreaks were reported in wild freshwater fish in the Great Lakes in both Canada and the U.S.  The mortality associated with numerous individual outbreaks ranged from just a few fish to many thousands per outbreak and represented the first, large-scale outbreak of VHSV IVb in freshwater species in the U.S.  None of the fish species involved in these outbreaks were previously known to be susceptible to VHS disease.  The extent of VHSV genotype IVb distribution is not yet known; however, reported epizootics attributable to VHSV since 2005 have been limited in the U.S. to wild fish from Great Lakes Basin including several inland lakes in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio.  Outbreaks have also occurred in Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes.  The findings indicate a potential increased risk of infection in other areas of the U.S. connected to these lakes through natural waterways.  In response to these outbreaks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) determined that it was necessary to prohibit or restrict the interstate movement and importation of VHSV-susceptible species of live fish in the Great Lakes states.  In April 2006, APHIS issued a Federal Order under the authority of the Animal Health Protection Act in response to the rapid spread of VHSV in the Great Lakes region. The Order was designed to prevent the introduction of VHSV into aquaculture facilities by controlling the movement of VHSV-susceptible fish species while APHIS gathered more information about the disease and developed a regulatory program that would allow the interstate movement and importation of VHSV-susceptible fish under certain conditions.  After careful consideration of the information provided by States, Tribes, and other interested stakeholders, APHIS is developing regulatory framework for the interstate movement and importation of VHSV-susceptible fish species. The proposed rule will define the regulated areas and fish species, the specific testing requirements and the procedures for declaring split state status (demonstrate freedom from VHSV).  This presentation will focus on the status of the proposed rule and explore other options for VHS management in the Great Lakes Basin. Current discussions are focusing on existing state VHS policy and management needs in the Great Lakes.