LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS FOUND IN LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - Printable Version +- Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum) +-- Forum: Freshwater Fishing Forum (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=400) +--- Forum: Bass Fishing (https://bigfishtackle.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=162) +--- Thread: LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS FOUND IN LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE (/showthread.php?tid=359881) |
LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS FOUND IN LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - FishNews - 08-29-2007 CONCORD, N.H. - Bass sampled this summer from Lake Winnipesaukee have tested positive for largemouth bass virus (LMBV), with initial testing showing LMBV<br /> to be present in a sample of smallmouth bass. The infected fish were<br /> collected as part of the Winnipesaukee bass tagging study being conducted by<br /> the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Previously, LMBV had not been<br /> detected in New Hampshire; Fish and Game biologists have been testing for<br /> the virus since 2006. "Finding largemouth bass virus in smallmouth bass is not surprising, as this<br /> virus is known to be carried by other fish such as smallmouth bass, pickerel<br /> and some sunfish species," said Dr. Joel Bader, N.H. Fish and Game Fish<br /> Pathologist. "As we continue to test more bass from Lake Winnipesaukee, it<br /> is likely that we will find largemouth bass virus in largemouth bass, as<br /> well." Largemouth bass virus is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses in<br /> fish. Fish with largemouth bass virus are safe to handle and eat, as the<br /> virus does not infect warm-blooded animals, including humans. Presence of the virus in a fish population does not necessarily mean fish<br /> will develop LMBV disease, which can cause them to die or show signs of<br /> being in poor health. Most fish carrying largemouth bass virus appear<br /> completely normal, but largemouth bass kills sometimes result in waters that<br /> test positive for LMBV. These fish kills generally occur during the summer<br /> months, indicating that warmer water temperatures may be a factor. In cases<br /> where the virus has triggered disease, dying bass may be near the water<br /> surface and have difficultly swimming and remaining upright. The virus<br /> attacks the swim bladder, sometimes causing bass to lose their equilibrium<br /> and appear bloated. Largemouth bass between 12 and 15 inches appear to be<br /> most susceptible to the disease. The occurrence of lesions or black spots is<br /> not a sign that a fish has LMBV. The virus appears to result in disease when largemouth bass are stressed --<br /> warm water temperatures, low oxygen, poor water quality, and frequent<br /> handling can increase the chance that fish may get the disease. Scientists are unsure as to how the virus is transmitted or how it develops<br /> into a disease. There is currently no cure or preventative for LMBV, and it<br /> can live in water for up to seven days. It is known that the virus may be<br /> transmitted through water, by fish consuming infected prey, or through<br /> direct and indirect contact in boat live wells. No evidence currently exists that the virus has caused long-term impacts to<br /> a fishery; some data indicate that an infected fishery will recover over a<br /> period of years. "Based on the information we have about the virus, it is unlikely that<br /> largemouth bass virus poses a serious threat to the long-term health of New<br /> Hampshire's bass resources," said Gabe Gries, N.H. Fish and Game fisheries<br /> biologist and Warmwater Project Leader. "However, because the virus can<br /> sometimes kill or negatively impact largemouth bass and can be spread or<br /> influenced by anglers, it is important to test fish to learn where the virus<br /> is present in New Hampshire, inform anglers about the virus and try to<br /> minimize its spread. "It is of the utmost importance for anglers to help keep this virus from<br /> spreading by cleaning their equipment after use and by not transferring<br /> fish, including baitfish, from one waterbody to another," added Gries. Anglers can help minimize the impact and spread of largemouth bass virus by<br /> following these suggested guidelines: * Drain water from bilge and live wells and clean boats, trailer and<br /> other equipment between fishing trips with a solution of bleach to water<br /> (1:100 ratio) and let air-dry. * Use a solution of bleach to water (1:100 ratio) to clean live wells and<br /> let air-dry. * Never transfer fish or fish parts from one body of water to another. In<br /> fact, New Hampshire law prohibits transfer of live fish from one waterbody<br /> to another. * Do not release live bait into waterbodies. * Handle bass as gently as possible. * During times of high water temperatures, minimize stress to fish as<br /> much as possible. * Conduct fishing tournaments during cooler weather, so fish caught will<br /> not be as stressed. * Reduce daily bass tournament bag limits or use a "paper format" during<br /> times of high water temperatures. * Report dead or dying fish to the N.H. Fish and Game Department. * Educate other anglers about LMBV. "It is likely that the virus is or will soon be present in other waterbodies<br /> in New Hampshire," said Dr. Bader. "We will soon be expanding our testing<br /> for this virus in other waters, and ask the public for their cooperation in<br /> reporting any fish kills, particularly those involving bass." Largemouth bass virus was first detected in Florida in 1991 and gained<br /> national attention in 1995 when it caused a largemouth bass kill in South<br /> Carolina. The virus was originally thought to be restricted to the southern<br /> U.S., but it has recently been detected in some Northeastern states,<br /> including Vermont (Lake Champlain) and Connecticut. For more information on LMBV in New Hampshire, visit<br /> http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/LargeMouth_Bass_Virus.htm, or<br /> contact Dr. Joel Bader, Fish Pathologist, New Hampshire Fish and Game<br /> Department, Region 2, 200 Main Street, New Hampton, NH 03256 --<br /> 603-744-5470, jbader@nhfgd.org. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's<br /> fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit<br /> http://www.FishNH.com. Re: [FishNews] LARGEMOUTH BASS VIRUS FOUND IN LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE - tubeN2 - 08-31-2007 Looks like it's time for the fish Doctor to make some house calls. That's too bad about the genetically sequenced viruses like that.[pirate] [signature] |