Keep fish healthy. There’s a lot on the line.

Focus on Fish Health Campaign What: A community-based effort to raise awareness of VHS – viral hemorrhagic septicemia—and other fish diseases among recreational boaters and fishermen. The program seeks to provide information on simple steps that boating and fishing enthusiasts can take to prevent the spread of these diseases.

Focus on Fish Health Campaign Who: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The program works closely with local, regional and national boating and fishing organizations, community groups and the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign:

Focus on Fish Health Campaign Where: VHS has been reported in 28 different species of wild fish in all five Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and a number of inland lakes in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. When: The campaign is running Spring, Summer and Fall 2010

Focus on Fish Health Campaign Why: Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) is a highly contagious disease affecting freshwater and marine fish. A number of recreational and sport fish species are susceptible to it, including muskellunge, small mouth bass, yellow perch, certain baitfish and commercial fish. The disease is not a threat to human health. However, it can impact the ecological balance of wild fish populations and negatively impact the water environment Recreational fishermen and boaters can infect their favorite fishing areas unless they take simple steps to prevent contamination.

Take These Simple Steps Viral hemorrhagic septicemia [VHS] The VHS virus can be spread by  infected fish  contaminated water sources (e.g., ballast water, bilge water, live wells)  contaminated objects (e.g., footwear, buckets, nets, fishing rods, water skis, wake boards, etc.) Prevention involves a few basic steps to ensure the virus does not spread to additional locations.

Take These Simple Steps Do not move fish between water sources Infected fish can spread the VHS virus to other fish. Some fish may be infected without showing signs of disease. Buy bait from reliable sources; some states require that bait be bought from certified dealers or shops. Do not dispose of fish or by-products, including unused bait, in any body of wate r Dispose of unused fish or fish remains in a secure trash area.

Take These Simple Steps Do not transfer water between locations or sources The VHS virus is shed in the urine, feces, and reproductive fluids of infected fish and can be moved from one waterway to another. Drain all water, including bilge water, ballast tanks, live wells, coolers, before leaving the lake, river or other bodies of water.

Take These Simple Steps Clean mud or debris from vehicles and equipment when you move them between bodies of water This includes boats, recreational watercraft, trailers, all equipment and footwear. If you are boating or fishing in water known to be infected with the VHS virus, disinfect vehicles and equipment with HOT water.

Take These Simple Steps Follow all fish health regulations in your state View regulations at: Report fish die offs or fish with external wounds to your state fisheries department View contacts at: Clinical Signs of VHS in Fish Photo courtesy of Paul Bowser, Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University Bulging Eyes Photo courtesy of Dr. Mohamed Faisal, Michigan State University

How You Can Help Reach out to your fishing and boating community through a Speakers Bureau using this PowerPoint presentation Download the PowerPoint presentation at

How You Can Help Contact to request quantities of palm Distribute educational palm cards at events and gatherings

How You Can Help Draw attention to our magazine ads that will appear in national magazines during the Spring and Summer of 2010

How You Can Help Log on to to participate in our Focus on Fish Health Photo Contest Enter your finest photos in one or more of three categories  Most Impressive Catch  Happiest Boaters on the Water  Family Fun Fishing or Boating

Focus On Fish Health Questions & Answers Questions and Answers For more information contact: Presenter Name Presenter Contact Info