In Central Florida's Lake Weir, what has come to be known as the Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBv) was discovered in 1991. Four years later, in Cooper Reservoir, S.C., the first related incident of fish mortality was reported, and the virus proved itself to be one worthy of state department attention.

In 2001, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries first tested impoundments for the presence of LMBv, many showing no signs of infection or otherwise low exposure rates; but the virus's presence was nonetheless realized in Virginia.

Because LMBv is a potential threat to America's favorite game fish, panic and dismay surrounded the initial discovery. However, the course of the disease, as studied in southern waters, supports biologists' assurances that LMBv poses a relatively insignificant effect on infected fisheries.
Fishermen first noticed only a decrease in the catch rate of quality fish—defined as being 3 pounds and larger—as a result of a decrease in fry survival and growth rates. Now, 12 years since the initial discovery, it seems the worst has passed, and some of the early detection sites are returning to post-infection fishing conditions.
Testing resumed in Virginia waters in the summer of 2010. Of the three impoundments tested, all returned positive for the virus, and two replied with notably significant exposure rates—Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island) showing 41 percent exposure, and Briery Creek Lake showing 30 percent—both of which also tested positive in 2001. Both "big fish" fisheries, Buggs and Briery became the martyrs for the cause.
A year later, 16 bodies of water were tested across the state, ranging from small, department-owned lakes to large impoundments and major rivers. All locations showed signs of infection, save for the tidal James River. From this, VDGIF fisheries biologist Dan Michaelson can infer that "LMBv will probably be found in most of the water bodies in Virginia. Some will be impacted by the disease and others may never show indications that the fish have been exposed."
There is a silver lining, however. In the 2011 tests, Briery Creek and Buggs Island showed exposure rates of 30 percent and 23 percent, respectively, indicating that, as compared to results from 2010, the virus in those fisheries has surpassed its peak of potency, and is now on the decline.
According to Dan Michaelson, "The southern states that experienced this outbreak in the late 1990s showed about a three-year recovery cycle after LMBv was detected. Considering Virginia's cooler temperatures and slower growth rate, he speculates that "the cycle will be about five years in Virginia."
For those fish that do survive the initial exposure, immunity can be developed. "Unfortunately, they do not pass the resistance on to their progeny," says Michaelson. However, the good news is that states that met the virus early on, like Texas, Mississippi and Florida, no longer observe noticeable impacts of the disease. Most biologists predict that in Virginia, too, LMBv will become little more than a means of population control, similar to old age.
As for what causes the virus to emerge, biologists again claim little knowledge. Outbreaks and the few small mortality events that have occurred are most frequent in the warmer months of the year due to stress that may be linked to low oxygen levels, high water temperatures, and increased tournament pressure.
Effected fish usually show no signs of the virus, but may suffer from loss of equilibrium or the inability to stay below the surface due to an over-inflation of the swim bladder.
But despite the large presence of LMBv in Virginia, most of the infected areas still maintain exceptional angling opportunities for the angler, which will only increase in status as the virus runs its course and shrinks into the background of biological issues.
Still, it is important to help stop the spread of the virus which, as it is not known exactly what causes an outbreak, includes a wide range of responsible practices. Using common-sense boat hygiene, like cleaning trailers and not emptying water from a livewell into a foreign water body, is an effective measure for stopping the spread of both LMBv and invasive species. Also, it is encouraged to limit the practice of bass tournaments in the hottest months of the year, and to handle fish delicately and briefly. To help prevent the spread of the disease and other biological issues, the transplantation of fish into foreign impoundments is discouraged. More information concerning preventative measures can be found on the department's website.
Considering the facts, LMBv carries little long-term threat for Virginia's bass anglers, and the end of the tunnel is in sight. Biologists continue to monitor bass fisheries and educate anglers to help stop the spread of the disease. Michaelson assures anglers, "we fully expect all of these fisheries to recover."
There is no cause for concern.

March 17, 2013

LMBV found in Pocomoke River bass

Pocomoke, MD, USA—Largemouth Bass Virus has been found in several waterways across the state, but prior to this year, the virus had never been documented in the Pocomoke River. In a recently released report, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that of 10 bass sampled from the Pocomoke River, six tested positive for the virus.

“We hadn’t tested for it yet in the Pocomoke River, so over the past year we took some samples, and six of the 10 individual fish we sampled had Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV),” said Joseph Love, the tidal bass manager for Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. “It’s not the first time we have found it in Maryland. But we are trying to report it as we sample rivers and determine its occurrence, its frequency and how many individuals in our sample have it.”

Love said his department has found LMBV in the Potomac River, as well as the Patuxent, the Susquehanna, the Northeast and the Choptank rivers. It has also observed fish with the disease in other reservoirs around the state.

“It is not an uncommon virus, and it can be transmitted by many species of fish,” Love said. “It’s a waterborne virus, so it can just exist in the water. It’s a pretty tough organism.”

Anglers might suspect a fish has LMBV because it causes the bass to swim ... … .

See the source (http://tinyurl.com/amejjvk) for the full story.

[LMBV has been identified to be in Chesapeake Bay for some time.  See http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/bass/docs/largemouth_bass_virus.pdf, or http://dnr.maryland.gov/dnrnews/pressrelease2010/111510.asp for a 2010 Maryland DNR alert.  ADS-Mod.]

LMBV found in Pocomoke River bass

Virus poses no threat to humans

 

 

In addition to Largemouth Bass Virus, this fish also has multiple fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections. / Maryland DNR image

Written by

Shawn Nisson

 

 

POCOMOKE — Largemouth Bass Virus has been found in several waterways across the state, but prior to this year, the virus had never been documented in the Pocomoke River. In a recently released report, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that of 10 bass sampled from the Pocomoke River, six tested positive for the virus.

“We hadn’t tested for it yet in the Pocomoke River, so over the past year we took some samples, and six of the 10 individual fish we sampled had Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV),” said Joseph Love, the tidal bass manager for Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. “It’s not the first time we have found it in Maryland. But we are trying to report it as we sample rivers and determine its occurrence, its frequency and how many individuals in our sample have it.”

Love said his department has found LMBV in the Potomac River, as well as the Patuxent, the Susquehanna, the Northeast and the Choptank rivers. It has also observed fish with the disease in other reservoirs around the state.

“It is not an uncommon virus, and it can be transmitted by many species of fish,” Love said. “It’s a waterborne virus, so it can just exist in the water. It’s a pretty tough organism.”

Anglers might suspect a fish has LMBV because it causes the bass to swim “lazily” and “haphazardly” near the surface of the water.

“I was at a fishing tournament in the Upper Bay and I saw a fish just swimming kind of lethargically at the surface, and that gave me pause, so I pulled it out of the water because that’s kind of symptomatic of LMBV,” Love said. “Once the fish is cut open, the angler may see the gas bladder or the swim bladder has an orange kind of fat in there. That is what is causing the fish to swim lazily at the surface — because they can’t regulate their body position in the water column.”

Love said fish with LMBV pose no threat to humans, and that if anglers choose to they can eat the fish. Love did request that if anglers come across fish they think might have LMBV, they contact the DNR at 800-285-8195, so the area can be tested.

“If the angler did want to eat the fish, they’re more than welcome to,” Love said. “But I would still like a phone call, just so that we know the fish was exhibiting behavioral issues, because there could be some other things going on out there too.”

Lab tests on largemouth bass tissue samples collected during a routine survey in October by Arizona Game and Fish and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel showed presence of the disease in some samples.

While the virus can affect largemouth bass, it doesn't pose a risk to people and pets, and the water is safe for drinking water supply and recreation.
"Largemouth bass virus is not known to infect any warm-blooded animals, and any fish that are caught by anglers are safe to eat," said Marc Dahlberg, Game and Fish water quality program manager. "However, we always recommend that people thoroughly cook any fish they intend to eat, and never use fish found dead or dying for food."
Game and Fish has not documented any fish kills at Lake Pleasant associated with largemouth bass virus to date. At this time, fishing is still very productive and there have been no recreational impacts. Lake Pleasant is the top fishing recreation site in Arizona, producing more than 520,000 angler use days.
Prior to this sampling, the only fish health survey that had been conducted at Lake Pleasant was in 2002, and largemouth bass virus was not detected then. Therefore, the virus most likely entered the Lake Pleasant fishery within the past 10 years.
Dahlberg explained that although the virus can cause mortality in largemouth bass, not all bass become infected, and not every fish becomes sick. For instance, only five lakes in Texas suffered fish kills even though the virus was found in 23 of the state's reservoirs.
"Usually the number of infected fish that die is relatively low compared to the entire population, with the virus mostly affecting older and larger fish," said Dahlberg.
The virus has been found in 18 states dating back to 1991. In Arizona, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and now Lake Pleasant have tested positive for the disease. There have been no impacts attributable to largemouth bass virus at Saguaro, Bartlett or Roosevelt to date.

August8,2012 A disease known as largemouth bass virus is affecting fish in at least four West Virginia lakes, and researchers are learning more about the illness.
Last year, Division of Natural Resources biologists discovered the presence of the virus in four lakes: Stonewall Jackson, Sutton, East Lynn and North Bend.
DNR researchers are now looking again to see where the virus is present.
DNR tests show the virus is in places along the Ohio River.
Fisheries biologist Chris OBara says studies are ongoing.
"As with humans, when you are in poor physiological condition, youre more adept to having some kind of disease outbreak," he said.
Largemouth bass virus affects bass species, but also other species of fish like sunfish.
It was first discovered in the southern part in the United States in the late 1990s.
There have been fish kills associated with the virus, but none yet in West Virginia.
OBara says warm water temperatures, during the summer months, can increase the virus impact on aquatic life.
"If the warm temperatures would continue over a longer period of time, or if we were to have other conditions: low dissolved oxygen, that would be an additive stress on the fish, we may see outbreaks of diseases," he said.
"I would say it is a moderate concern; we dont want to move fish from those areas that would potentially cause the virus to move with them."
While no fish fatalities in West Virginia streams have been attributed to the virus, OBara says that doesnt mean the threat isnt there, particularly in light of drought conditions this summer.
"With drought conditions that come into effect, we see crowding the fish, we see poor water quality attributed to lack of flow, so it would have a decrease of dissolved conditions. So drought conditions, extreme drought conditions especially would have more of an influence promoting largemouth bass virus," O'Bara said.
OBara says fish fatalities arent the only way largemouth bass virus can affect the bass population.
"Probably our biggest concern is not primarily related to fish kills but to growth, and just the general well-being of the fish," he said.
The DNR is waiting to hear results from several other surveys throughout the state.

An organization in the northern panhandle is working to network with communities throughout the state to serve low-income households. Two women started the effort more than a decade ago to help with flood relief in the southern part of the state and theyve been going ever since.
WVSU acquires lab space at research park
By Beth Vorhees
West Virginia State University is the first university to establish laboratory space in the research technology park in South Charleston.
DNR biologists continue monitoring for bass virus
By Ben Adducchio
A disease known as largemouth bass virus is affecting fish in at least four West Virginia lakes, and researchers are learning more about the illness.
Drought won't effect Gauley season
By Beth Vorhees
While drought conditions plague much of the U.S., white water river outfitters in West Virginia are assuring rafters that there is plenty of water here.
WV mom honored at White House
By Glynis Board
On Friday August 10, the White House will welcome over 150 Parent Teacher Association leaders from 41 states, DC, and US military bases overseas for a day-long briefing.

March20,2012 Bass-fishing is big in several areas of the state, but the Division of Natural Resources has found bass in four West Virginia lakes infected with a virus that could be fatal. Its not the first time its been found in the state.

The disease is called Largemouth Bass Virus and it targets bass species.

Its been found in lakes in Wayne, Ritchie, Lewis, and Braxton counties.

It affects the fish like the common cold affects humans, according to Chris O Bara, a fisheries biologist with the West Virginia DNR.

It can be especially dangerous in the summer months, when water temperatures are warmer.

O Bara says it can be fatal, but as of now the DNR hasnt linked it to fish deaths.

"The fish may die; initially it was thought it only caused mortality in larger fish, but with more investigation into the virus, weve found it does cause mortality in smaller fish as well," he said. "We have found the virus in several populations within the state."

This isnt the first time largemouth bass virus has been spotted in West Virginia streams.

About five years ago, O Bara says the DNR found it in a water body.

Now O Bara says its important to stop the virus from spreading.

"It can be spread in numerous ways. One thing is moving fish; moving fish from one water body to another water body will definitely have effect in moving the virus, so we really stress that people dont move fish from one water body to another water body," he said.

O Bara says another way is for contaminated water to enter another water body through a fishing boat.

The DNR is encouraging anglers to help with stopping that from happening.

"To combat that we ask anglers, or any boaters for that matter, to clean their boats with just a simple bleach solution, ten percent bleach solution would most likely take care of the virus," O'Bara said, "any type of the virus that they have, so if any area where they have standing water in their boats, we ask the anglers to clean that."

While O Bara says its important for people to keep their fishing equipment and boats clean, he stresses affected bass shouldnt be harmful to humans.

"The fish are not dangerous to human beings; theres no risk of spreading to human beings, if people want to eat fish in our lakes, they are safe to eat. We just ask that they are well-cooked and well-prepared," O'Bara said.

The largemouth bass virus is usually found in southern states, like South Carolina, with warmer temperatures.

The four lakes that have it are spread out throughout the state: Stonewall Jackson Lake in Lewis County, East Lynn Lake in Wayne County, North Bend in Ritchie and Sutton Lake in Braxton.

O Bara says its most likely a random occurrence.

"I think the random nature of us going out and doing the monitoring is the reason why we found it where we did, thats why in 2012 well be taking on a little more stringent monitoring program, and well probably have a better result on how spread this virus is," he said.

At this time, the DNR doesnt know exactly how many fish in the state have the virus.



Bass-fishing is big in several areas of the state, but the Division of Natural Resources has found bass in four West Virginia lakes infected with a virus that could be fatal. Its not the first time its been found in the state.

By Beth Vorhees

Beth Hartman knows how to use the Internet.

Do natural gas production facilities create air-quality concerns?

By Glynis Board

Since the on-set of the natural gas age in northern West Virginia, some residents have raised concerns about air pollution related to drilling for gas.

Student sections help make state tourney a success

By Adam Cavalier

A colorful cast of characters came out to the Charleston Civic Center this past weekend. Action abounded on the basketball court for the boys state tournament, but the stands saw plenty of pomp as well.

O'Bara says the virus can spread in numerous ways, including moving fish from one body of water to another. A boat also can bring contaminated water into another body of water.

The DNR is asking anglers and other boaters to clean their boats with a bleach solution.

O'Bara says infected fish are safe to eat as long as they are well-cooked and well-prepared.

Samples of bass from four West Virginia lakes test positive for the Largemouth Bass Virus. The discoveries were made in samples taken during the late summer and early fall at East Lynn, Stonewall Jackson, Sutton, and North Bend lakes tested positive for the virus.

"It's been around for a while and it's not the first time we've detected in in West Virginia," said DNR Warm water Fisheries Chief Brett Preston. "Several years ago in Sutton Lake we had a sample that turned out positive."

The viral infection primarily affects black bass species including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. It's been very prominent in the southern United States and Texas.

The impact it can have on a fishery is a bit of a unknown. Preston says there are documented cases from Texas where LMBV caused a mass fish die off, but he doesn't think the infection is that extreme here in the Mountain State.

"Generally what we've been seeing is that it doesn't cause substantial fish kills," Preston said.

The DNR issued an alert about the discovery as a reminder to anglers to be careful about cleaning their boats, bait buckets, and anything else touching a body of water before fishing in another body water.

"That's how this stuff probably gets spread," said Preston.

The threat is not known to West Virginia bass populations. Preston says while the fish may show no outward signs of being ill, the virus can manifest itself in other ways.

"As in a lot of animals, you could be carrying a virus that is not active," Preston said. "It may be dormant, but it would be like your immune system is depressed and you become susceptible to other problems."

Preston says the conditions like water quality, high water temperature, or high loads of pollution could all cause a fish to be threatened where otherwise they'd be able to endure those unique and rare conditions.

There is no known link between LMBV and human health. Preston advises, although most don't keep black bass for consumption very often, it should be properly handled and thoroughly cooked.

He says, "Fishing hasnt been much fun during the day but the fish are biting at each of the locations that we report on. A 'good plan' is to be on the water by 5:30 a.m. and off the water when the fish shut down. Thats not necessarily true for tidal bass however so play the tides and try for the last two hours of outgoing and two hours of incoming."
UPPER POTOMAC RIVER: two and a half stars; 82 degrees; algae clumps on Virginiaside; sick-looking grass; clear with algae stain; 1.0 feetat Point of Rocks.
Fishing has been quite good despite unfavorable ecological conditions, but if you chose to fish during the middle of the day, you may as well stay home. This is a good water level for drift fishing and I suggest Brunswick to Lander or Point of Rocks, and Whites Ferry to Edwards Ferry.
Whites Ferry and Edwards Ferry are fishing pretty much the same, where bass are feeding in deeper holes, submersed ledges and areas where the river bottom is strewn with chunk rocks. I prefer the upriver chances at both locations. We rely on Case Plastics, especially the 4-inch Magic Stik attached to a 2/0 VMC hook and6-pound test Sufix ProMix monofilament. A medium-action rod will do the trick.
At Lander, either direction isgood, but during very low water its best to motor upriver just in case your motor fails for some reason. I recommend the Campground Special (teaser) tubes in Penrod Purple; Roadkill; V-8; Troys Trigger and KP Candy. Use 1/8th-ounce RAB jigheads and 6-pound test Sufix ProMix or Deep Crankin monofilament. Stay low in your boat and make long casts.

TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER: three stars; 85 degrees; salt wedge creeping into DC; grasses dying in many areas; algae in creeks and areas of main stem.
Prime conditions exist for fish disease, so be alert. Unless its absolutely necessary, do not keep bass in your livewell. Remember, largemouth bass virusexists in this water andconditions are perfect for it to show its ugly head.
In Washington, this is a good time to fish the headwaters, from Three Sisters to Chain Bridge. Cast Rapala DT04 crankbaits (47, 49, 51 and 98); Mizmo tubes (green pumpkin, Penrod Purple and Juniata Treat) plus Big Mouth Lure Co. spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Focus on smallmouth, but dont be surprised if you catch a few walleye. Bridge foundations are a favorite hot-water habitat, so Key Bridge and Long Bridge are your best bet.
In the Washington Channel, troll Rapala Thug crankbaits in the 10- to 15-foot zone near (but not too near) the Fort McNair wall. In the Woodrow Wilson Bridge sector, we do best in coves near Belle Haven Marina; Penrod Cove; barges and wharf remains nearby; Smoot points; grass north of Broad Creek; grass south of Hog Island; Bulltown Cove; Pohick Bay and Pomonkey Bay and Creek. This is pretty much a grass pattern, except for the immediate vicinity of the bridge, so buzzbaits, Penrod Special spinner baits; Case Magic Stiks and dark-colored frogs are favored.
In and around Mattawoman Creek, we like to 6-MPH zone during high water and the grass beds between Smallwood State Park and the main stem (we see a loss of grass here that are of concern). Penrod Special spinnerbaits have been very good if you can keep the snakeheads off of them.
Nearby areas that are good visits include Occoquan Bay and Belmont Bay; Chickamuxen, south point to Tug Boat Cove; small areas along Arkindale Flats and Mallows Bay. In Aquia Creek, its time to investigate the loss of grass and the extensive algae bloom. This little creek seems to be under stress way too often. Anyone with information should contact authorities but Id like to be kept in the loop, please.
DEEP CREEK LAKE: two and a half stars; mid 70-80 degrees; minus 1.5 feet; clear. LOU guides Bret Winegardner and Brent Nelson continue to escort vacationing families to memory-laden adventuresand thats hard to do on a summertime lake. The largemouth bite is back on, say Bret Winegardner. We are catching them from grass beds and boat docks in the middle to upper lake arms and coves. Wacky-rigged plastics seem best for the docks but dont hesitate to cast them to grass along with frogs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits by Big Mouth Lure Co. For smallmouth, the best areas continue to be the Deep Creek Lake State Park shoreline; off shore humps and rocky shores and coves toward the dam. The kids can catch plenty of perch, pickerel and blue gills on live baits along grass beds and in stump fields.

large mouth bass LMBV USA, Arizona, Lake Saguaro 1/11/2010 daily scan
Largemouth Bass Virus Found in Arizona Waters Published on: November 1, 2010

A largemouth bass infected with the Largemouth Bass Virus. 19 states have now reported having the virus in its waters.
USFWS/La Crosse Fish Health CenterArizona may have a new microscopic aquatic invader - largemouth bass virus, which can kill fish but is not harmful to people.

"There has been a preliminary detection of this fish virus at Saguaro Lake," said Arizona Game and Fish Department Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Fish samples from Saguaro recently showed preliminary results for the largemouth bass virus, but due to testing timelines for this disease, Arizona Game and Fish is still awaiting a full report from federal laboratories. The full report is expected in the next three to four weeks. Confirmation of the detection will then be sought with another, independent laboratory.

Young emphasized that even if the virus is present, the disease posses no risk to people and pets and the water is safe for drinking water supply and recreation. "Largemouth bass virus is not known to infect any warm-blooded animals and any fish that are caught by anglers are safe to eat," said Young. "However, we always recommend that you thoroughly cook any fish you intend to eat and never use found dead or dying fish for food."

If confirmed, Saguaro would be the first water in Arizona to test positive for the presence of the virus. Although not previously detected in Arizona, at least 18 other states have found the fish disease in bodies of water dating back to 1991.

Game and Fish is working to develop a sampling effort to determine the presence of this fish virus in other Arizona bass lakes.

Largemouth bass virus can cause fish mortality but does not always do so. "It is not precisely known what triggers the activation of the virus into a disease outbreak, but it has been associated with stress events such as high water temperatures," Young said. "The virus only affects largemouth bass, but other fish species can carry the virus as well as water itself."

In other locations around the country where the virus has been found, bass populations typically suffer one-time effects of the disease before infected waters returned to normal. The virus appears to diminish over time and not every infected fish becomes sick. For instance, only five lakes in Texas suffered fish kills even though the virus was found in 23 of the state's reservoirs. "Usually the number of infected fish that die is relatively low compared to the entire population, with the virus mostly affecting older and larger fish," said Young.

Young emphasized that even though testing results are only preliminary at this point, Game and Fish wanted to inform the public immediately rather than waiting for full confirmation. "If the virus is present, there are precautions the public can take to help stop the spread of the virus," Young said. "As with all aquatic invasive species such as quagga mussels, public awareness and cooperation are critically important to preventing an even larger problem."

One preventive measure that's vital is that people absolutely avoid transporting live fish or water from one body of water to another.

"You might be spreading an unwanted disease or even introducing an unwanted organism that could prove deadly to a fishery or substantially alter a lake ecosystem," said Young. "Don't transport live fish caught from a lake - period. It's the wrong thing to do and it's unlawful."

It's also important to clean, dry and drain your boat before leaving any lake at any time, and to disinfect your boat or wait at least five days before launching your boat on another water. In fact, at several lakes it's now the law that you do so. This is extremely important as the bass virus can live for up to seven days in standing water.

Other ways anglers and boaters can help stop the spread of invasive species:

* Dispose of all unused bait in the trash, never in the water.
* Never transfer live fish from one body of water to another.
* Rinse any mud and/or debris from equipment and wading gear.
* Drain any water from boats, bilge, bait buckets, and live wells before leaving the launch area. A mild mixture of bleach and water can be used to disinfect your equipment. Allow everything to air dry before moving to another body of water.
* Stage fishing tournaments in cooler weather to reduce stress on caught bass.