Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
VHS Found in Three More NY Waters; Nuisance Algae Found in VT
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced three new locations with viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) infected fish: Little Salmon River in Mexico, Oswego County, Seneca-Cayuga Canal, and an isolated farm pond in Ransomville, Niagara County. Fish infected with VHS have been previously documented from Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River, the St. Lawrence River, Conesus Lake and Skaneateles Lake.
In a related development, an aquatic nuisance algae, known as "didymo" or "rock snot," was recently found in Vermont waters.
New Species Found Susceptible to VHS
VHS is a disease that causes the hemorrhaging of a fish's tissues, including its internal organs. There is no known cure for VHS. The impact of this particular strain of VHS on fish populations is uncertain. It has caused fish mortalities ranging from a few fish to thousands of fish. The disease is specific to fish and is not a human health concern.
A rainbow trout in Little Salmon River tested positive for VHS
In the Little Salmon River, a single rainbow trout tested positive for VHS. This is the first detection of VHS in rainbow trout in New York. Along with the rainbow trout, carp and lake trout are new species found to be suceptible to VHS. VHS-positive sunfish were also collected during a fish kill in the Seneca-Cayuga Canal. The canal is separated from Lake Ontario by a series of locks along the Oswego and Erie canals. Sunfish and koi were found to be VHS positive in the Ransomville farm pond.
DEC's regulations that help prevent the spread of VHS and other diseases into New York's inland waters are available online at the New York State Register for June 6, 2007 web page. Click on "Rulemaking Activities." Frequently asked questions about VHS can be found on Fish Health Regulations in Response to VHS page of DEC's website. In addition to complying with the VHS regulations, DEC encourages anglers to be vigilant in keeping live wells clean. Live wells should be cleaned with a 10 percent bleach-to-water solution (1-3/4 cups bleach per gallon of water). This will kill VHS and most other aquatic invasive species and diseases.
For More About VHS
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). Questions about VHS and potential DEC actions to prevent its spread can be e-mailed to fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us or by calling 518-402-8896. The public is also advised to regularly check DEC's website for updated information on VHS in New York State. The full press release from which this story was excerpted has more information as well.
Anglers Urged to Stop Spread of Nuisance Algae
Unlike many other aquatic nuisance plants, didymo grows on the bottom of flowing and still waters. It can develop thick mats even in fast flowing trout streams. Fishing becomes difficult; the abundance of bottom dwelling organisms declines; and trout and other fish that feed on those organisms also decline.
The microscopic algae cling unseen to waders, boots, boats, lures, hooks, sinkers, fishing line and other fishing gear, and remain viable for several weeks under even slightly moist conditions. Absorbent items, such as the felt-soled waders and wading boots commonly used by stream anglers, require thorough attention as discussed below. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. Currently, no known methods exist for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body.
Check, Clean and Dry
DEC is urging anglers and other water recreationists to Check, Clean and Dry their angling and boating equipment to prevent the introduction and spread of didymo. See the full press release from which this story was excerpted for more information on how to prevent the spread of didymo.
