Fish-killing virus found again in Lake Superior

Fish kill
A fish kill in Lake St. Clair, caused by viral hemorrhagic septicemia.
Photo courtesy of Mohamed Faisal, Michigan State University

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reports that more fish infected with the fish-killing VHS virus, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, have been found in Lake Superior.

The lake herring netted off the Apostle Islands are the third confirmed discovery of the virus in Lake Superior, after announcements in January that fish from the Twin Ports harbor and near Whitefish Bay in Michigan had traces of the disease.

Mike Staggs, Wisconsin fisheries director, says there's no longer any doubt VHS is in Lake Superior and all five Great Lakes.

VHS, is harmless to people but often lethal to fish. It can cause fish to die of internal bleeding.

Officials say they will work to keep the virus from spreading to other waters.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune

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