Effective November 12, 2024, the United States is officially declared free from three important aquatic animal pathogens: epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV), salmonid alphavirus (SAV), and Gyrodactylus salaris. These pathogens are listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and are immediately reportable to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services.

These country-level freedom declarations were made in alignment with the WOAH criteria as specified in Chapter 1.4. Aquatic Animal Disease Surveillance of the WOAH Aquatic Code, and affirm APHIS’ commitment to ensuring and maintaining healthy aquatic animal populations for domestic use and international trade purposes.

For additional information about the United States’ freedom declarations for aquatic animal pathogens, please visit the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/aquaculture/health-status-reviews.