Environment DEC
From the March 2007 issue
DEC and OPRHP Confirm IPN Fish Virus at Long Island Hatchery
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) have reported that a fish virus, infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), was found recently in samples of trout from the hatchery in the Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Long Island. There is no known health threat to humans who handle or consume fish that contain the IPN virus, but IPN is considered a serious fish disease capable of causing extensive mortality in young trout.
The virus that causes IPN was found in samples of brook, brown and rainbow trout that were collected from the hatchery in November 2006 and sent to DEC's Rome Fish Disease Control Unit laboratory for analysis. This was part of a fish health inspection program conducted by DEC at state-owned and private hatcheries that raise fish to be released into the state's waters.
The virus most often affects trout, a popular species among anglers in New York
Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis
IPN's effects range from turning fish fry a blackish color to affecting fingerlings with hemorrhages or exophthalmia (also known as "popeye"). When IPN infects hatchery fish, the effects can last for a long time and then become dormant for many years before reemerging. Hatchery fish do not always display symptoms of IPN and have the potential of infecting wild trout or other fish species if introduced into a body of water, potentially resulting in a mortality event.
IPN may be transmitted from infected fish to uninfected fish and from parent fish to their offspring. There is no demonstrated cure for IPN. It is not known when this virus first became present in trout at the Connetquot Hatchery because previous annual fish health inspections were focused solely on the whirling disease parasite.
Fish Health Inspections
DEC initiated more comprehensive fish health inspections in response to federal action taken in fall 2006 involving a different fish virus, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). DEC regulations now require inspection for a number of fish pathogens and parasites as part of an overall effort to protect New York's aquatic resources and hatcheries from harmful diseases or infections.
Fishing at the Preserve
DEC and OPRHP are considering what to do with the infected trout. Staff from both agencies will collaborate on developing a plan to break the chain of infection while maintaining the high-quality fishing experiences many anglers have come to expect at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Anglers seeking specific information about fishing opportunities within the preserve should contact staff at 631-581-1005.
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