June 12, 2007

US experts concerned over Wisconsin fish diseases

Fishery and agriculture experts are now "very concerned" about the viral hemorrhagic septicemia fish disease arriving in the state of Wisconsin.

The disease was said to have wiped out large fish populations in the Eastern part of the country.

Although not harmful to humans, it is clear that the virus has the potential to spread through inland lakes and streams.

The disease is not only expected to affect wild fish but the aquaculture industries as well.

Experts are recommending that the Natural Resources Board should immediately apply its Great Lakes and Winnebago system emergency measures to the entire state.

Such measures should include an emergency plan to temporarily close all landings in the event of a rapid spread of the disease, boats to be properly cleaned and a ban on fish transportation.

The experts also recommended that the federal government stop all foreign ships from dumping ballast water in the Great Lakes. More than 160 invasive species were believed to have entered the US through this avenue, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia.