Environment DEC
From the July 2007 issue
VHS Detected in Dead Fish Found at Skaneateles Lake
An ongoing fish kill of smallmouth bass and rock bass in Skaneateles Lake has been linked to viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). Skaneateles Lake, one of New York's Finger Lakes, is the second location where VHS-infected fish have been found in a New York waterbody outside of the Great Lakes. It was previously confirmed in Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Conesus Lake. VHS is a pathogen of fish and does not pose any threat to public health.
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
A young fish showing signs of infection
VHS is a disease that causes the hemorrhaging of a fish's tissues, including internal organs. It has caused fish mortalities ranging from a few fish to thousands of fish. Often, infected fish do not exhibit any external signs of having the disease, which affects all sizes of fish. Although not all infected fish develop the disease, they can continue to carry it and spread it to others. There is no known cure for VHS, and the effect of this particular strain of VHS on fish populations is uncertain.
Infected Bass Populations
In May, staff from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) investigated a fish kill of rock and smallmouth bass at Skaneateles Lake. Moribund rock bass and smallmouth bass were collected and sent to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University for testing. The tests were positive for VHS, and fish have been sent to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Lab in Seattle, Washington, for confirmation. Since the initial collection, sporadic die-offs have resulted in thousands of rock bass and smallmouth bass washing up on shore in various locations along Skaneateles Lake. DEC continues to monitor the situation.
Preventive Measures
New regulations restrict the movement of bait fish among New York's waters
Last month, DEC finalized regulations to help prevent the spread of VHS and other diseases into New York's inland waters. The regulations restrict the movement of bait fish and the stocking of fish into New York's waters. DEC staff also continue to sample waterbodies throughout the state for VHS to determine how far the disease has spread.
In addition to following the fish health regulations, anglers should be vigilant in keeping live wells clean. Live wells should be cleaned with a solution of 10 percent bleach to water (1-3/4 cups bleach per gallon of water). This will kill the VHS virus and other aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussles.
The public is advised to contact their nearest DEC regional office if they witness a large number of dead or dying fish (usually 100 or more). Please call 518-402-8896 with questions about VHS or for information about DEC actions to prevent its spread.
