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After a 15-year hiatus, the largemouth bass virus resurfaced in new water from the northern lower peninsula.
Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) has been confirmed as a contributing factor to the death of fish in Cedar Lake in Alcona and Iosco counties, and others. Lakes in the area are also under study.
LMBV is one of more than 100 natural viruses affecting fish. It is not known how it spreads, but anglers are considered a likely means of transmitting the virus through the movement of infected living fish, from one water to another, or through the use of gear or contaminated and uncleaned vessels in uninfected waters.
LMBV usually causes fish death during periods of extreme stress. Potential stressors include very hot weather, intensive sport fishing and possibly aquatic weed treatments or other treatments done in hot weather.
"The largemouth bass virus appears to infect other species of related fish, including smallmouth bass, bluegill and black crab, but to date, it is not known to occur. is known only to kill largemouth bass, "said Gary Whelan, the department's Fisheries Research Officer. "The disease usually kills large adult fish and mortality affects about 10 to 20% of these fish in a given lake."
Affected fish generally appear normal, although they may be lethargic, swim slowly and be less sensitive to the activities around them. Dying fish are often seen near the surface and have difficulty standing. During internal examination, infected fish usually have swollen and yellowish swimming bladders.
It is not known that LMVB infects humans, and infected fish can be eaten safely – provided the fish is cooked properly.
Report dead bigmouth or dying adult bass, especially when there are 25 or more – reports can be made online at michigan.gov/eyesinthefield.
Copyright 2018 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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