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Largemouth Bass Virus confirmed in Cedar Lake

(Photo Courtesy/Michigan DNR) A Largemouth Bass infected with Largemouth Bass Virus floats dead on Cedar Lake.

Cedar Lake — Largemouth bass virus has re-emerged after a 15 year hiatus in Iosco and Alcona County.

The virus has been confirmed as a factor in a fish kill in Cedar Lake. The virus is closely related to other viruses found in amphibians. It’s origin and how it is able to spread is unknown. Boaters and anglers are asked to clean their equipment.

Largemouth bass virus has not been know to infect humans, and fish are safe to eat as long as they are fully cooked. Affected fish usually appear normal but could be noticed as slower and less responsive to their surroundings. These fish generally have bloated and yellowish swim bladders.

“Largemouth bass virus appears to infect other related fish species, including smallmouth bass, bluegill and black crappies, but to date is only known to kill largemouth bass,” said Gary Whelan, the DNR’s fisheries research manager. “The disease typically kills large adult fish and die-offs affect approximately 10 to 20 percent of these fish in a given lake.”

Reports of large numbers of dead fish up to 25 or more can be reported to michigan.gov/eyesinthefield