Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS)

The last outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) in Denmark was confirmed in January 2009, and the whole continental territory of Denmark is approved as VHS-free by the European Union according to Annex XII to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/620.

In 2021, an eradication programme for VHS in Danish marine waters was approved by the EU. The eradication programme comprises two years of intensified surveillance in which 75 fish are sampled and analysed twice a year from each fish farm supplied by saltwater. The eradication programme for VHS in Danish marine waters has been completed.

On November 20th 2023, Denmark declared the Danish marine waters as free from VHS. The declaration of freedom from VHS in Danish marine waters can be found below: