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A disease that has not been found in Michigan for 15 years is causing the death of fish in a Michigan lake.
The largemouth bass virus, which previously affected Michigan largemouth bass in various lakes in the early 2000s, has been confirmed as a contributing factor to fish death in Cedar Lake, in the counties of Alcona and Iosco.
This is the first time the disease is detected at Cedar Lake and other lakes in the area are under study, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
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 the LMBV virus infects humans, and the infected fish can be eaten safely if it is well cooked. LMBV can not be eradicated from lakes, nor can infected fish be treated.
"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, DNR 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 usually causes fish death during periods of extreme stress, perhaps due to very hot weather, intensive sport fishing, aquatic weed control or other warm weather treatments.
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. Infected fish usually have swollen and yellowish swimming bladders.
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