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After a 15-year hiatus, the largemouth bass virus resurfaced in new water from the northern lower peninsula.
This virus has been confirmed as a contributing factor to fish death in Cedar Lake, in Alcona and Iosco Counties, Michigan, as well as in the discovery of additional lakes. This virus had already affected adult largemouth bass in the early 2000s in the lakes of southern Michigan.
The largemouth bass virus is one of more than 100 natural viruses affecting fish and is closely related to viruses found in frogs and other amphibians. Its origin and mode of spread are unknown, but anglers are considered a likely means of transmitting the virus through the movement of infected live fish, or through the use of contaminated gear or boats. and not cleaned in uninfected waters. It is not known that LMVB infects humans, and infected fish can be eaten safely – provided the fish is cooked properly.
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. Anything that can be done to minimize stress on fish will reduce the effects of this virus and the subsequent death of fish.
There are few outward signs indicating that a fish is suffering from LMBV. The virus has been found in lakes where no case of fish disease or death has been reported. 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.
"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."
LMBV can not be eradicated from lakes, nor can infected fish be treated. Anglers and boaters clean their equipment properly and do their part to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Clean all fishing gear between exits.
- Do not move fish or parts of fish from one body of water to another.
- Handle the bass gently if you intend to release it.
- Do not keep the basses in the wells for long periods of time if you plan to release them.
- Minimize the targeting of largemouth bass in very hot weather
Report dead or dying bigmouth bass, especially when there are 25 or more – reports can be made online at michigan.gov/eyesinthefield
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