Page 8 - Fishing Report | 10-11-17

What you need to know about Pymatuning Lake’s outbreak of Koi Herpes Virus

Most regional anglers are aware of the massive carp kill at Pymatuning which started in late
th
August and ran through September. In a September 24 news release, the PFBC confirmed a
virus was responsible for the carp deaths at Pymatuning.

According to the release, the virus, known as the Koi Herpes Virus (LHV) only affects Carp and
Koi. The virus dos not affect humans and should not be considered a risk to human health.
PFBC believes the virus was introduced into Pymatuning by an individual releasing infected Koi
into the lake or may have been present in bilge water (or livewell water) of a boat.

While there is no cure or any way to get rid of the virus once in the water, the infection has run
its course this year but may appear again in the future. The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters
the best way to prevent transmission of viruses or invasive aquatic weeds is to thoroughly
clean your boat/trailer and drain all water before moving to another water.

I had posted a link to the News Release on my Facebook Page “Fishing
with Darl Black.” As a result, I received several comments from anglers

concerned about other fish possibly being infected by the virus or killed
by the application of herbicides on Pymatuning to control invasive Hy-
drilla. One angler included this photo a Largemouth Bass which I
dubbed “The Swimming Dead” – one glance tells you why. For clarifica-
tion on the issue on impact on other species, I sent the photo and my
questions to Tim Wilson, PFBC Fisheries Manager Area 1. His response

follows:

It is impossible to diagnose disease from a picture. However, the wounds
The Swimming Dead
aren’t consistent with either Koi Herpes Virus or aquatic herbicides.

Koi Herpes Virus affects only Common Carp and Koi (which are nothing but Common Carp breed
for their colors; with breeding going on for so long, some people consider Koi a subspecies or
separate species). If the virus was to mutate and start affecting a new species, it would most
likely affect another member of the Minnow family (Cyprinidae – of which carp are a member).

It is highly unlikely that it would jump to a whole new family (Sunfish or Centrarchide – of which
bass are members). We night electro-fished Pymatuning for young of year Walleyes on 9/19
and 9/27 and saw dozens and dozens of Bass – all were healthy. If KHV could now infect Bass
and kill them, it would be killing a bunch of Bass.

We also receive claims from the public regarding the use of aquatic herbicides they believe are

sickening and killing fish. It just isn’t the case. All herbicides are thoroughly tested and applied