Suspicion of VHS
Photo: Ole-Bendik Dale.
Tests of Rainbow Trout from a fishfarm in the region of Møre & Romsdal has given positive results for the VHS virus. Further investigations are needed to confirm the diagnosis. VHS is short for viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Norway has been free of the disease since 1974.
The positive results are from specimen of Rainbow Trout kept in seawater in a fish farm in the 'Møre og Romsdal' region. The fish was put in the farm this autumn and test were issued upon finding fish with abnormal behaviour.
The authopsy revealed bleeding and anemia, and tests of organs with microscopy showed signs of disease that indicate the VHS-virus.
Further tests (PCR) revealed positive results for the VHS-virus. Further investigations are necessary to confirm the diagnosis, and assess whether the source of contamination is salmonic fish or marine fish.
VHS is a class A disease. The case is reported to the Norwegian Food Authority.
Read the annual reports on surveillance and control programmes for terrestrial and aquatic animals in Norway:
Contact at National Veterinary Institute
Head of Department Brit Hjeltnes, Dep. for Fish and Shellfish Health
Phone:+47 55 36 38 24
Mobile:+47 918 89 376
E-mail: brit.hjeltnes@vetinst.no
