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Largemouth bass virus moves from northern Michigan

Alpena, Mich —The Largemouth Bass Virus has traveled further up state.

The virus has been detected in Beaver Lake in Alpena County, and Avalon Lake in Montmorency County.

In northern Michigan, the initial discovery of the disease was made in Cedar Lake in Iosco County.

A spike in the virus typically takes place during high stress times for fish. Some of these include hot weather, and increased recreational fishing.

The Department of Natural Resources says the disease is not thought to affect humans, and contaminated fish is safe to eat if thoroughly cooked.

The DNR is urging anglers and boaters to prevent the spread of the disease by properly cleaning fishing equipment, and avoiding moving fish from one body of water to another.