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Highly pathogenic virus in fish detected for first time ever in California
FOX Weather • • health
Key Points:
- Largemouth Bass Virus, a highly pathogenic fish virus, was detected for the first time in California in a private lake in Nevada County after over 200 fish died in September.
- The virus was found in bluegill and largemouth bass, with no identified source, but it can spread via contaminated equipment, infected baitfish, or stocking infected fish.
- Largemouth Bass Virus poses no risk to humans or warm-blooded animals, but it can cause significant mortality in larger fish and is difficult to eradicate once established.
- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) urges the public to prevent spread by not moving fish between water bodies and thoroughly cleaning boats and fishing gear after use.
- CDFW is investigating whether the virus exists in other California waters and recommends anglers handle fish carefully and follow strict hygiene protocols to minimize transmission.
