05-24-2004, 02:18 PM
LAKE ST. CLAIR, MI--Michigan fisheries officials are reminding anglers on the state's Lake St. Clair to report any sightings of sick or dead muskie that appear to suffer Piscirickettsia, commonly called "muskie pox."
The bacterial disease, which doesn't affect humans, was first identified by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan State University scientists in early 2002. It's similar to a bacteria that has caused widespread death among various trout and salmon species in Chile, Norway, Ireland and Canada, but further investigation indicates that the strain found in Lake St. Clair muskellunge is a different bacteria.
Fish exhibiting visible signs of muskie pox have red skin rashes and sunken eyes. Fisheries experts researched the bacteria last summer, both in the field and in the laboratory. Fish captured and tested at various locations throughout the U.S. side of Lake St. Clair all showed some level of infection, indicating the bacteria exists throughout the lake. However, laboratory researchers noticed Piscirickettsia is sensitive to antibiotics, indicating that infected fish can be treated.
Anglers who observe sick or dead muskies with visible infection signs are asked to contact DNR to report the estimated size of the fish and the GPS location. To report infected fish or for more information on Piscirickettsia, contact the DNR's Michael Thomas at (586) 465-4771, or email [url "mailto:thomasmv@michigan.gov"][#0000ff]thomasmv@michigan.gov[/#0000ff][/url].
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The bacterial disease, which doesn't affect humans, was first identified by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan State University scientists in early 2002. It's similar to a bacteria that has caused widespread death among various trout and salmon species in Chile, Norway, Ireland and Canada, but further investigation indicates that the strain found in Lake St. Clair muskellunge is a different bacteria.
Fish exhibiting visible signs of muskie pox have red skin rashes and sunken eyes. Fisheries experts researched the bacteria last summer, both in the field and in the laboratory. Fish captured and tested at various locations throughout the U.S. side of Lake St. Clair all showed some level of infection, indicating the bacteria exists throughout the lake. However, laboratory researchers noticed Piscirickettsia is sensitive to antibiotics, indicating that infected fish can be treated.
Anglers who observe sick or dead muskies with visible infection signs are asked to contact DNR to report the estimated size of the fish and the GPS location. To report infected fish or for more information on Piscirickettsia, contact the DNR's Michael Thomas at (586) 465-4771, or email [url "mailto:thomasmv@michigan.gov"][#0000ff]thomasmv@michigan.gov[/#0000ff][/url].
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