DNR issues emergency rules to curb lethal fish virus

Officials from the Wisconsin state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have pulled up their socks to combat the potentially deadly viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a new lethal fish virus that kills fish the same way Ebola virus (a group of exotic viral agents that cause a severe hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and other primates) kills people.

The deadly fish virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS previously found in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario was detected in the Lake Winnebago chain of lakes, the first such infection confirmed in inland Wisconsin waters, according to media reports Sunday.

Wisconsin DNR on Saturday reported that two freshwater drum fish or sheepshead from the Little Lake Butte des Morts in the Lake Winnebago Chain of Lakes have tested positive in preliminary analysis for VHS.

Little Lake Butte des Morts is part of the lower Fox River, which flows from Lake Winnebago to the bay of Green Bay.

DNR called the infection, which causes anemia and hemorrhaging in fish, a “major fish health crisis,” and said they are preparing for what could be a long-term battle with the disease.

"It hasn't wiped out fish populations, but that many species affected and that many that are dying, we're real concerned. This is a serious fish disease," said George Boronow, Wisconsin DNR.

The virus that has caused huge fish kills in several eastern Great Lakes in 2005 and 2006 is likely already in Lake Michigan and may be in Lake Superior and the Mississippi River, DNR said on its Website.

Although, the VHS virus is not a threat to people who handle infected fish or want to eat their catch, but it can kill more than 25 fish species that have been found to carry the virus, DNR said further.

The DNR, which is dedicated to the preservation, protection, effective management, and maintenance of Wisconsin's natural resources, is urging anglers and people to take caution so they don’t further spread the disease.

George Boronow, a regional fisheries coordinator with the DNR, says it's already caused huge amounts of fish to die off in Lake Saint Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and in the Saint Lawrence River.

As part of their efforts to stop the spread of the virus, DNR has issued the following emergency rules for the boaters and anglers:

Drain all water from your boat, trailer, bait buckets, coolers, and other containers before you leave the landing or shore fishing site location on Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, the Mississippi River or their tributaries.

Do not transport live fish, including bait fish, away from any Great Lakes or Mississippi River drainage landing or shore fishing location. This includes tributaries up to the first dam.

Do not use "cut" or dead bait from other waters (except when fishing in Lake Michigan, Green Bay, or tributaries).

Do not use minnows unless they were purchased from a Wisconsin bait dealer or you legally caught the minnows from the place you are fishing.

DNR has also ordered the Fox Locks Authority to close the Menasha lock, where numerous dead fish were found.

The VHS virus is a serious pathogen of fresh and saltwater fish that is shed in the urine and reproductive fluids of fish into the water and can survive in water for at least 14 days. Virus particles in the water infect the gills (external respiratory organs of most aquatic animals) of the fish and within 2 days, the infected fish will start shedding the virus. Thus, water discharged from live wells, bilges and bait buckets can spread the virus from infected waters.

The clinical symptoms of VHS may include hemorrhaging (bleeding), strange behavior, anemia, bulging eyes, bloated abdomens, and the rapid onset of death; however, these symptoms could apply to many other fish ailments. VHS must be confirmed by lab tests.

The virus does not pose any threat to human health.

The Department of Natural Resources is responsible for implementing the laws of the state and, where applicable, the laws of the federal government that protect and enhance the natural resources of our state.

It is the one agency charged with full responsibility for coordinating the many disciplines and programs necessary to provide a clean environment and a full range of outdoor recreational opportunities for Wisconsin citizens and visitors.