For the past several years, the Department of Natural Resources has been working to keep viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, from spreading beyond Lake Winnebago and the Great Lakes into Wisconsin. So far, DNR microbiologist Erik Eikenberry says a recent round of testing shows those efforts appear to be working.
The DNR tested samples from over 2,700 fish in 19 water bodies in the state to help monitor for the fish killing virus. Eikenberry says no evidence of its presence was found in any new locations.
Eikenberry credits recent campaigns to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species with helping to keep VHS contained. The DNR has been working with boaters to drain live wells and to never move live fish, along with a state law prohibiting the practice. Eikenberry says that prevention helps stop VHS as well, since it can be moved in ways that are very similar to the way other aquatic invaders are.
The virus is a major concern because it can result in massive fish kills in natural water bodies. Eikenberry says it also has the potential to devastate commercial fish farms if it were introduced there. The virus is not believed to be a danger to humans.
Anglers who catch a fish they suspect may have VHS can contact a DNR warden to report it. Symptoms include hemorrhaging through the skin and organs, and bulging eyes.
