Fish-Killing Virus Found In Lake Superior

The fish-killing VHS disease has been found in a lake herring netted off the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported Tuesday.

It's the third confirmed discovery of the virus in Lake Superior after announcements in January that fish from the Twin Ports harbor and near Whitefish Bay in Michigan had traces of the disease.

"We now know that, without a doubt, VHS is present in Lake Superior and thus in all five Great Lakes," said Mike Staggs, Wisconsin fisheries director.

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia is harmless to people but often lethal to fish. VHS can cause bleeding in fish tissue, including internal organs. Sick fish often appear listless, have bulging eyes, swim in circles or hang just below the surface.

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