U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)

APHIS is involved in preventing, controlling, and eliminating animal diseases and administering federal health programs for livestock. APHIS has authority over aquatic animal pests and diseases that have the potential for affecting livestock, including farmed aquatic animals. APHIS also regulates the import and export and interstate commerce in livestock, including aquatic animals. For further information, visit the APHIS website.

On October 24, 2006, in response to the discovery of VHS in the Great Lakes Region, USDA APHIS issued an emergency order to prevent the spread of VHS into aquaculture facilities or additional bodies of water. The order prohibited the importation of 37 species of live fish into the US. from two Canadian provinces and the interstate movement of these same species from eight states bordering the Great Lakes. Since that time, USDA APHIS has issued Federal Orders restricting the movement of fish from the VHS-infected areas.

U.S. Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries)

NOAA Fisheries works with the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to develop, implement, review and revise a national aquaculture plan. It is also involved in regulating the shipping and transport of fish and wildlife. NOAA Fisheries provides grants to persons conducting research and development projects related to U.S. fisheries and aquaculture. For further information, visit the NOAA Fisheries website.

U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

FWS is involved with enforcement of laws prohibiting the possession or importation of animals of plants deemed to be injurious to humans, wildlife, wildlife resources or to the interests of U.S. agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or wildlife. Additionally, FWS is charged with developing, advancing, managing, conserving and protecting fishery resources as well as protecting endangered species. For further information, visit the FWS website.

States

States have the authority to regulate fish and fish movement within their borders. Depending on how the state's government is organized, the state agency responsible for regulating fish and fish movement may be the department of agriculture, the department of fish and wildlife conservation, or the department of natural resources. States concerned about the spread of VHS have issued rules and regulations regarding the movement of fish and fish products into and within their borders. For information on the regulations in your state, go to State Contacts.

Tribal Governments
Federally recognized Native American treaty tribes have legal authority over their respective areas to manage fishery resources, including aquaculture and aquatic animal health.

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