PREVENT VHS VIRUS AT APPLE CANYON LAKE!
Protect Apple Canyon Lake - TAKE VHS WARNINGS SERIOUSLY!
Cynthia Carton
See photos below
The possible presence of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) at Apple Canyon Lake is of grave concern to all of us. We ask that you please inform yourself of the dangers to area lakes and rivers brought about by this disease.
IF this disease should make its way to Apple Canyon Lake and result in a fish kill, our beautiful lake (and your investment) could become nothing but a body of water which could turn into a mud hole. No longer would you find the bass, walleye, crappie, blue gill or northern you fish from this lake every day. Please take the time to read all signs and postings with updated information about new state regulations, and ways you can help keep the lake free of not only VHS, but all invasive species as well.
RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms could apply to many different fish diseases, therefore, VHS must be confirmed by lab tests. Additionally, some infected fish may not show any signs and transporting these fish to new locations could spread the disease to new waters. If you catch a diseased fish or observe a fish kill, contact security and the DNR immediately.
• Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
• Bulging eyes
• Unusual behavior
• Anemia
• Bloated abdomens
• Rapid onset of death
ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING
The DNR (and ACL as well) is asking the public to take precautions similar to those used in stopping the spread of invasive species on all waters:
• Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.
• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
• Do not move live fish from one water to another.
• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land.
• Buy your minnows from certified bait dealers or catch your own and use it to fish the water you caught it from.
• Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, or let it dry for five days.
LEARN MORE -- How VHS spreads and environmental factors
Infected fish shed the virus in their urine and reproductive fluids. The virus can survive in water for at least 14 days. Virus particles in the water infect gill tissue first, and then move to the internal organs and the blood vessels. The blood vessels become weak, causing hemorrhages in the internal organs, muscle and skin. Fish can also be infected when they eat an infected fish. Fish that survive the infection will develop antibodies to the virus. Antibodies will protect the fish against new VHS virus infections for some time. However, the concentration of antibodies in the fish will drop over time and the fish may start shedding virus again. This may create a cycle of fish kills that occurs on a regular basis.
The virus grows best in fish when water temperatures are 37-54°F. Most infected fish will die when water temperatures are 37- 41°F, and rarely die above 59 °F. Stress is an important factor in VHS outbreaks. Stress suppresses the immune system, causing infected fish to become diseased. Stressors include spawning hormones, poor water quality, lack of food, or excessive handling of fish.
The Wisconsin DNR has an informative website that will help you become familiar with this disease. Log onto www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs/
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Showing External Hemorrhaging.
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)
Cynthia Carton
See photos below
The possible presence of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) at Apple Canyon Lake is of grave concern to all of us. We ask that you please inform yourself of the dangers to area lakes and rivers brought about by this disease.
IF this disease should make its way to Apple Canyon Lake and result in a fish kill, our beautiful lake (and your investment) could become nothing but a body of water which could turn into a mud hole. No longer would you find the bass, walleye, crappie, blue gill or northern you fish from this lake every day. Please take the time to read all signs and postings with updated information about new state regulations, and ways you can help keep the lake free of not only VHS, but all invasive species as well.
RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms could apply to many different fish diseases, therefore, VHS must be confirmed by lab tests. Additionally, some infected fish may not show any signs and transporting these fish to new locations could spread the disease to new waters. If you catch a diseased fish or observe a fish kill, contact security and the DNR immediately.
• Hemorrhaging (bleeding)
• Bulging eyes
• Unusual behavior
• Anemia
• Bloated abdomens
• Rapid onset of death
ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING
The DNR (and ACL as well) is asking the public to take precautions similar to those used in stopping the spread of invasive species on all waters:
• Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud.
• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers.
• Do not move live fish from one water to another.
• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land.
• Buy your minnows from certified bait dealers or catch your own and use it to fish the water you caught it from.
• Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, or let it dry for five days.
LEARN MORE -- How VHS spreads and environmental factors
Infected fish shed the virus in their urine and reproductive fluids. The virus can survive in water for at least 14 days. Virus particles in the water infect gill tissue first, and then move to the internal organs and the blood vessels. The blood vessels become weak, causing hemorrhages in the internal organs, muscle and skin. Fish can also be infected when they eat an infected fish. Fish that survive the infection will develop antibodies to the virus. Antibodies will protect the fish against new VHS virus infections for some time. However, the concentration of antibodies in the fish will drop over time and the fish may start shedding virus again. This may create a cycle of fish kills that occurs on a regular basis.
The virus grows best in fish when water temperatures are 37-54°F. Most infected fish will die when water temperatures are 37- 41°F, and rarely die above 59 °F. Stress is an important factor in VHS outbreaks. Stress suppresses the immune system, causing infected fish to become diseased. Stressors include spawning hormones, poor water quality, lack of food, or excessive handling of fish.
The Wisconsin DNR has an informative website that will help you become familiar with this disease. Log onto www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs/
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Showing External Hemorrhaging.
Example of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)
