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Biologists at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are currently conducting investigations concerning recent fish kills at False River in Pointe Coupee Parish. Preliminary findings from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Warm Springs Fish Health Center in Georgia indicate that 83 percent of False River bass are infected with largemouth bass virus (LMBV).
According to LDWF Inland Fisheries biologist Mark McElroy, there was a protracted fish kill on False River during some of the hot weather days this past summer that killed several hundred largemouth bass. There are indications that the stress of the poor water quality and high temperatures at False River and other waterways may have contributed to the onset of LMBV fish kills.
"We discovered a largemouth bass fish kill at Lake Bruin on July 10 which was also attributed to LMBV. A good resource for those interested in learning more information about LMBV can consult the Bass Master website: (www.bassmaster.com)," said McElroy.
The virus was first identified in South Carolina in the mid 1990s. Little is known about the virus, its transmission or the cause of infection. The disease affects the fish^s swim bladder, causing problems with equilibrium and often leading to death.
For more information, contact Mark McElroy at 225/765-2336
mcelroy_mg@wlf.state.la.us
Uploaded: 1/9/2001
Uploaded: 1/9/2001