Once known as a peaceful and artistic people, the Vidiians were hit by a disease known as the Phage sometime around 370. This virulent disease consumed their bodies by attacking their cellular structure and genetic codes, killing thousands of Vidiians every day. Possessed of an advanced medical technology, the Vidiians were unable to keep up with the Phage, which adapted itself and resisted all methods used to destroy it. The Vidiians were thus forced to harvest bodily organs and tissues from other species in order to keep themselves alive. Although they preferred to extract organs from the dead, most of their race were not opposed to stealing organs from living beings if absolutely necessary. Laws exist on the Vidiian homeworld that prevent the gathering of large groups for public health and safety reasons. USS Voyager first encountered the Vidiians in 2371.