KHV VIRUS CAUSES CARP DIE-OFF |
To All Spring Valley Lake Members:
On Monday, June 14th Operations and Maintenance received numerous inquiries regarding the dead fish floating in the lake. Staff was out on the lake most of the day picking up fish while taking readings for ph, phosphorus, nitrates, dissolved oxygen and algae content. All readings were within normal limits, as they have been. Staff has collected less than 25 fish so far. We did find something unusual on several of them: red and white splotches around the mouth and bellies of the carp. Operations contacted the Department of Fish and Game to try to determine if this could have something to do with their deaths.
We were informed that the southwest area of the U.S. is currently experiencing carp die-offs by the thousands due to KHV or koiherpes virus. This virus does not affect humans or other species of fish other than carp.
We are presently working with Dr. Mark Adkison of Fish and Game to confirm our suspicions because we want to be absolutely positive of what we have on our hands. From the description of the symptoms and the lack of forage fish dying first, he is confident this is what is happening in our lake. Residents should also be aware that the fish die-offs may continue in waves as the virus makes its way through the carp population. If we have another die off we have been instructed to contact Dr. Adkison and send him a fresh sample.
Staff would like to reiterate that the lake is absolutely safe to swim, fish and boat in. The virus does not affect any other species including humans. We have attached two links should you wish to learn more about this issue. One is a PDF file describing the condition and symptoms of the virus, and the other is a recent newpaper article concerning Lake Mojave and Lake Havasu.
Richard Arglen
Operations Manager
Spring Valley Lake Association
760-245-9756, Ext. 104 |
