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Lethal Fish Virus Detected in Lake Winnebago System |
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Written by Neil Simmons
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Monday, 14 May 2007 |
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the detection of a lethal fish virus called viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS in the Lake Winnebago System.
The virus does not pose any danger to humans handling fish, but it is quite deadly to the animals themselves.
The Department of Natural Resources stressed on its website that VHS had the ability to wipe out more than 25 fish species. VHS virus was first spotted in fish families in the Great Lakes and has killed many fish species in the Great lakes in 2005 and 2006.
According to the DNR some of the signs of VHS include "hemorrhaging in the skin, including large red patches particularly on the sides and anterior portion of the head; multiple hemorrhages on the liver, spleen, or intestines; or hemorrhages on the swim bladder."
A DNR spokesperson confirmed two drum fish have already tested positive for VHS in the Lake Winnebago system. The DNR has already ordered closure of the Fox Locks Authority and has asked fishermen to take precautions to avoid transferring the virus to other water bodies.
Consumers are encouraged to report fish kills or sick fish to their local DNR office or report through the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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