Google Search

Friday, June 17, 2011

Deadly fish virus found in Lake Superior

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Researchers say a fatal fish virus has been found in Lake Superior for the first time, meaning it has spread to all the Great Lakes.Cornell University scientists said Wednesday they detected viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, while testing fish from seven Lake Superior locations.

VHS has been identified in 28 Great Lakes fish species since 2005. It has caused large fish kills in lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. It also has turned up in Lake Michigan.

Michigan and Wisconsin officials say there's no evidence of a widespread outbreak in Lake Superior. They say the Cornell findings wouldn't lead to immediate changes in fishing or boating regulations.

Both states limit movement of bait fish to prevent VHS from spreading.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.

View the original article here