Fish Virus Threatens Minnesota Lakes

Tim Brastrup, DNR Brainerd Area Fisheries Supervisor, says a deadly fish virus is in the great lakes. He tells KLKS news, if it spreads to Lake Superior and inland lakes, it could have devastating effects in Minnesota waters. He says one Wisconsin lake lost almost all of one fish population from the VHS virus. Brastrup says it causes fish to bleed and can be especially hard on walleye populations. Anglers who spot the condition are asked to call the DNR. Brastrup says the virus is an invasive that arrived from ocean going freighters. He urges fishermen not to stock fish from one lake to another. He says it is illegal, and has the potential of introducing disease into area lakes.