GREAT LAKES PROTECTION

Inland Seas: Understanding and Protecting the Waters of the Great Lakes

As policymakers in Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states consider the proposed Great Lakes Compact, a new film by WATER Institute ecologist Rebecca Klaper delves into the science behind this policy issue.

More information at:
www.glwi.uwm.edu/education/outreach/InlandSeas

VHS and How to Stop It!

VHS is viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a viral fish disease that has caused large scale mortalities in rainbow trout and turbot aquaculture operations in Europe and in wild Pacific herring and pilchard populations along the Pacific Coast of North America. The disease is caused by a rhabdovirus, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSv). Rhadoviruses are a group of viruses that include 8 other fish disease causing agents including the highly virulent Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) that is found in the Pacific Coast salmon populations.

VHSv has a number of identified isolates (unique genetic types) grouped in four types; three from Europe and one from North America. Each appears to have unique effects with specific pathogenicity (virulence) on certain species. The isolate recently found in the Great Lakes Basin is nearly identical genetically to the VHS strain previously isolated from the Maritime Region of Canada and has been labeled Type (isolate) IVb.

VHSv is not a human pathogen as it can not replicate in warm-blooded animals. There are no concerns with respect to human health with this pathogen and it can not infect humans if they eat fish with the pathogen.

Voluntary Disinfection stations are being established at Michigan boat launches to help stop the spread of the VHS fish virus.

Want more information visit Michigan Lakes and Streams Associations website or go directly to the Watercraft Disinfection Station Instructions