[en] The occurrence of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) in Pacific herring exposed to crude oil, and encountered after an oil spill, was discussed. Adult Pacific herring of unknown status with regard to infection by VHSV were captured from the wild and exposed to weathered crude oil for 16 to 18 days. Total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) concentration in tissue, VHSV prevalence, and mortality were correlated with dosage. Results showed that histopathologic lesions significantly correlated with TPAH concentration and prevalence of VHSV, however, gender or length of exposure did not. Increased hepatocellular necrosis, splenic thrombosis and decreased inflammation of the liver were the most significant lesions observed. 30 refs., 3 tabs., 4 figs