Wisconsin testing 70 lakes, rivers for fish virus

Madison, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources is testing more than 70 state lakes and rivers for a
deadly fish virus.

It’s also expanding efforts to look at susceptible species in
the Lake Winnebago system.

Fisheries expert Mike Staggs says testing didn’t find the
disease in any new waters a year ago. He attributed it to
cooperation among boaters, anglers, bait harvesters and fish
farmers.

The state discovered viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, in
the Lake Winnebago chain in 2007. Since then, the agency has
adopted rules that prohibit anglers from moving live fish off the
water.

VHS is not a human health threat but it can infect 37 different
fish species. It’s been found in Lake Michigan. The virus has
caused big fish kills in other Great Lakes waters.