In 2006, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Ontario, and Wisconsin took unprecedented steps to stop the transfer of all baitfish across State borders. The reason - spread of the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus from Lake St. Clair to northern Lake Huron, Lake Erie, the Detroit River, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. A federal ban on the moving of live fish across Great Lakes state and province lines aims to stop the spread of VHS, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, from the lower Great Lakes.
On April 3, 2007 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced "A one year moratorium on the hatchery production of walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge using eggs collected from wild broodstocks in Michigan's waters is being imposed for 2007.The moratorium is necessary to protect both the State's aquatic resources in inland waters and fish currently being reared at State-owned hatchery facilities from infection by Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv), thus minimizing the potential risk of significant economic impacts posed by the presence of the virus."
The following minimum types of fish have been affected. fresh water drum (sheephead), muskellunge, round gobies, gizzard shad, white bass, yellow perch, whitefish, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Several additional fish species were mentioned in articles but, fish kills could were not confirmed.
Signs of VHS Disease
Fish exhibit hemorrhaging of the skin including large, red patches particularly on the sides and anterior portion of the head. However, the MDNR notes that infected fish will sometimes exhibit very minor external hemorrhaging or no external signs. Internally, organs are often congested with multiple hemorrhages in the liver, spleen, and intestines. The cause of death is usually internal organ failure, particularly the kidneys, or the inability to osmoregulate.
graphic images are available at http://michigan.gov/documents/dnr/vhs-photos_190459_7.pdf
What can you do to help stop the spread of VHS? Call 1-800-292-4706 to report EXTENSIVE fish kills
Oakland County and Commerce Township fishing enthusiasts and homeowners, the Michigan DNR recommends the following ways you can help prevent the spread of all fish diseases and other aquatic invasive species by taking the following steps:
- Clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips to keep from transporting undesirable fish pathogens and organisms from one water body to another. This includes bilges, bait, and live wells
- Take special care to clean fishing equipment when fishing known locations of VHS. A light bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant for cleaning equipment (1 cup for 10 gallons of water).
- After cleaning, allow boats, trailers and other equipment to fully dry for four to six hours in the sun.
- Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another.
- If you use live bait, use only live bait from the lake you are fishing or from approved bait dealers
- Do not release live bait into any water body.
- Handle fish as gently as possible if you intend to release them, and release them as quickly as possible.
- Refrain from hauling fish for long periods in live wells if you intend to release them.
- Report unusual numbers of dead or dying fish to Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division offices.
- Educate other anglers about the measures they can take to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species.
Additional Sources:
http://nsgl.gso.uri.edu/michu/michui07003.pdf Michigan Sea Grant
http://www.savethebaitbusiness.com/documents/vhs_factsheet.pdf Wisconsin
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1174208190212470.xml&coll=2 Ohio
http://www.savethebaitbusiness.com/documents/MNRVHS.pdf Ontario
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_10950_46202-160980--,00.html Michigan
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/vhsv.html New York
If you enjoy fishing in the Great Lakes basin please pass this on to a friend. Have More information, please paste a link below. Thanks for your concern to keep our lakes safe and clean for the next generation. Oakland County lakefront home owners. Please strive to keep these problems from your lake.
Note to Consumers: Your thoughts and concerns matter, although Active Rain requires your email address to submit a request, that information is not passed on and remains private. I will not contact you without your permission! May 4, 2007
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