keep fish healthy. there’s a lot on the line
TRANSCRIPT
Keep fish healthy. There’s a lot on the line.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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: www.ProtectYourWaters.net
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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 water
Dispose of unused fish or fish remains in a secure trash area.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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.
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
Take These Simple Steps
Follow all fish health regulations in your state
View regulations at: www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
Report fish die offs or fish with external wounds to your state fisheries department
View contacts at: www.FocusOnFishHealth.org/state-contacts.php
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
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
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 www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
How You Can Help
www.FocusOnFishHealth.orgContact [email protected] to request quantities of palm cards.
Distribute educational palm cards at events and gatherings
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
How You Can Help
Draw attention to our magazine ads that will appear in national magazines during the Spring and Summer of 2010
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
How You Can Help
Log on to www.FocusOnFishHealth.org 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
www.FocusOnFishHealth.org
Focus On Fish Health Questions & Answers
Questions and
Answers
For more information contact:
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