Hemorrhagic Septicemia Discovered For 1st Time In Lake Superior - Hitting Walleye, Pike, Other Fish

[hatrack]

A new virus that is deadly to muskies, walleyes and a wide range of fish species has been found for the first time in Lake Superior, raising fears it could spread to inland Minnesota waters. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, which has been blamed for major fish kills in the Great Lakes and surrounding states, was found in four sites in Lake Superior, researchers with Cornell University announced Wednesday. Infected fish were found in the Wisconsin waters of St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay, which are part of the Twin Ports harbors of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis. It also was found in Paradise and Skanee bays in Michigan.

The virus poses no threat to humans but is known to infect 28 species of fish. Fish with the disease show widespread bleeding on the eyes, skin and fins and within internal organs. The virus has reached epidemic proportions in the Great Lakes and threatens New York's sport-fishing industry, Cornell researchers said.

The discovery wasn't unexpected, and now Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials fear it will spread and infect inland fish. "With the eastern to western movement of VHS, we were all afraid this was going to happen, and it is happening," said Roy Johannes, a DNR fish disease specialist, of the Lake Superior discovery.

First discovered in the eastern Great Lakes in 2005, VHS has caused large fish kills in Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. There is no cure for VHS. The disease spreads through infected water or fish.

EDIT

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_14279914?nclick_check=1

[mopinko]

1. i think we all need to develop a taste for

asian carp. there is no doubt that our ecosystem is in for a major shake up. i don't think our efforts are really going to matter soon. the fittest are about to take over.