Indiana Entry Health Requirements
The following is a summary of Indiana's animal health laws governing the importation of select species of fish into Indiana. For additional information, contact the Indiana State Board of Animal Health at (317) 544-2400 or submit an e-mail inquiry.
BOAH Entry Requirements: Fish Susceptible to VHS
VHS strain IVb Susceptible Species include:
(August 2021)
- Black crappie
- Bluegill
- Bluntnose minnow
- Brown bullhead
- Chinook salmon
- Emerald shiner
- Fathead minnow
- Freshwater drum
- American gizzard shad
- Hybrid species when parent species are both susceptible to VHS.
- Hybrid striped bass
- Lake cisco
- Lake trout
- Lake whitefish
- Largemouth bass
- Muskellunge
- Northern Pike
- Pumpkinseed
- Rainbow trout
- Rock bass
- Round goby
- Smallmouth bass
- Spottail shiner
- Striped bass
- Walleye
- White bass
- White perch
- Yellow perch
These species must adhere to the following entry requirements.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection:
None. (See Other Requirements below.)
Entry Permit:
BOAH Pre-Entry Permit Application must be completed and submitted at least 72 business hours in advance of the proposed date of movement with all required documentation. (Print or download, listed below, the following permit application and submit to the address on the form.)
- Pre-entry Permit (PDF)
Fish Destination Report (PDF)
Testing:
Testing is only required for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) susceptible species. Susceptible species must test negative for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) IF originating from the Great Lakes states and provinces: Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario, and Quebec.
Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 60 fish samples from a lot size of 2000 or more*, (annually) according to AFS-FHS Bluebook standard.
-OR-
Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 150 fish samples from the facility if the facility, contains 100,000 fish or more*, (twice annually) according to OIE standards
*Contact BOAH for specific numbers, if the lot or farm contains fewer fish than the listed totals, or for more information. A valid Pre-Entry Permit must be in possession of the hauler while the fish are being transported.
Vaccination:
None.
Other Requirements:
Biosecurity protocol should be in place at the facility of origin.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entry Requirements
Fish Hauler's Permit
Importation Permit
+/- Aquaculture Permit
Trout and Salmon Tests
Three-year history of hatchery certification for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, infectious pancreatic necrosis and whirling disease
Additionally, if the fish originate from outside of the Great Lakes basin, three-year hatchery certification is also required for ceratomyxosis, proliferative kidney disease, bacterial furunculosis, bacterial kidney disease, enteric redmouth, and infectious hematopoietic necrosis
Other Species Tests
Negative heterosporosis test for yellow perch, muskellunge, northern pike, and walleye, from Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota; and other predator fish upon approval
These requirements are subject to change. For the most current information, contact the Indiana DNR or visit their website at: www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/commercial-fish-suppliers/