Predictive factors and viral genetic diversity for viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus infection in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River

► VHSV was present in littoral zones across Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. ► Round goby were more likely to test positive for VHSV than yellow perch. ► Round goby had significantly higher median viral loads than yellow perch. ► Maturity was a significant risk factor in yellow perch but not in round goby. ► VHSV genetic diversity is increasing in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.