Environmental Toxins: Deadly Fish Virus Found in Lake Winnebago

Fish collected from Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin have tested positive for hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS. The virus already may have appeared in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and in the Mississippi River. Since May 2, 2007, the Wisconsin State Department of Natural Resources has received reports of hundreds of freshwater fish dying on Lake Winnebago.

Deadly Fish Virus Found in Lake Winnebago

The Lake Winnebago chain is where Wisconsin's unique sturgeon population resides; after VHS was found in Little Lake Butte, the lock between the lakes was closed to prevent the fish virus from spreading. Officials have decided to reopen the lock after finding the virus since the closure did not prevent the virus's spread. The fish virus does not appear to be a threat to those who eat fish contaminated by it.