How Ontario is Protecting Fish Health

Ontario is taking the following steps to protect fish health:

• Members of the public can call a fish die-off telephone reporting line toll-free at 1-800-667-1940 if they see dead or dying fish in Ontario waters.
• Laboratory testing of fish by the University of Guelph helps the province react to incidents such as the die-offs of wild carp in 2007 and 2008.
• The province has announced a new centre for invasive species management in Sault Ste. Marie.
• Ontario has worked for many years with partners such as the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to inform the public about invasive species and viruses that affect fish.
• The province has also taken specific steps to slow the spread of certain fish diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) and to advise anglers on how to protect Ontario's fish. Refer to the Fish Health Fact Sheets for more information.

Understanding Health and Disease in Fish

Healthy fish can normally fight pathogens they encounter in their environment. 
 

When fish are unable to cope with stress AND pathogens, disease can occur.
 

Disease is the expression of ill health.  Some diseased fish may die.