Deadly Fish Virus Found in Great Lakes
Posted on January 28, 2010 and seen times
A fatal fish virus has been detected in Lake Superior for the first time, meaning it has spread to all the Great Lakes, researchers said Wednesday.
Cornell University scientists said they recently detected viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, while testing fish in the largest of the Great Lakes.
VHS has been identified in 28 freshwater fish species within the Great Lakes watershed since 2005, including popular sport and commercial varieties such as walleye, muskellunge and whitefish.
Although not dangerous for humans, the virus has caused large fish kills in Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. It also has turned up in Lake Michigan.
Even so, officials in Michigan and Wisconsin said Wednesday there was no evidence of a widespread outbreak in Lake Superior. They said the Cornell findings would not lead to any immediate changes in boating or fishing regulations.
