Canada Conducts Surveillance for Fish Virus in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Systems

News Release

OTTAWA, June 7, 2007 - Canadas New Government is collaborating with the
governments of Ontario and Quebec in monitoring Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in the
Canadian portions of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River systems.
VHS is an infectious viral disease which can cause illness and death in fish, but has
no adverse impact on human health. Up until 2005, the disease was believed to be absent
from North American freshwater fish species. Recent detections in the Great Lakes have
prompted Canada to undertake surveillance to develop a better understanding of the
geographic occurrence of the virus and to identify those species which are being affected.
The surveillance will provide the scientific basis for the development of joint VHS
management strategies involving the federal and provincial governments and other
interested parties. Elements of these strategies could include movement controls, public
and stakeholder education, and biosecurity for the aquaculture industry.
The surveillance program began in May 2007 with sample collection to be done by the
provincial partners through the spring, summer and fall at approximately 20 different
sites. Results of the surveillance will be publicly communicated at two points: following
the collection and testing of samples in the spring/summer and following the collection
and testing of samples in the fall.
The principal partners in the survey are the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Fisheries
and Oceans Canada, Ontarios Ministry of Natural Resources and Quebecs
Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. The surveillance will be conducted in
consultation with officials in the United States where a similar initiative is underway.
For additional information about VHS,
visit the CFIA website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/aqua/aquae.shtml.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682

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Canada Conducts Surveillance for Fish Virus in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Systems

News Release

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