Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Novirhabdovirus of the family Rhabdoviridae, is the aetiological agent of viral haemorrhagicsepticaemia (VHS) affecting many marine and freshwater fish species. The virus can be spread by direct contact with infected fish or contaminated water sources. Fish infected with VHSV may cause severe haemorrhaging of internal organs and petechial haemorrhaging of the muscles and skin. Moreover, survivors from the disease may become lifelong carriers. VHSV is highly contagious and may cause up to 100% mortality, leading to large-scale fish kills and severe economic consequences.

PCR technique has been commonly employed in the aquaculture industry for disease diagnosis and prevention. But building up a PCR lab is expensive and technician required. These make PCR detection limited in big farms. In order to provide pond-side PCR detection system for everyone in need, we introduced an innovative system - IQ Plus into the market. IQ Plus system using a new technology - insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR), which is a compact and portable system and can detect VHSV within 1 hour. The extraction procedure has been simplified to an easy way for everyone can easily perform the assay. IQ Plus system would be a useful tool for aquaculture pathogen detection and prevention anytime anywhere.