How does VHS spread in a fish population and to new lakes?
Infected fish shed the virus into a lake or river through their urine and reproductive fluids. VHS virus can remain infective up to 14 days in water. The virus is absorbed into the gills of healthy fish. Healthy fish can also be infected when they eat an infected fish. Infected fish and water can easily spread the virus if they are released into a new water body. That’s why new emergency rules prohibit anglers, boaters and other water users from moving live fish ans water from one waterbody to another.
