Scientists suspect lethal virus behind countless fish washing up dead in Lake Huron
Scientists are raising concerns about a potential outbreak of a deadly virus causing a significant number of fish deaths in Lake Huron this spring. From Ipperwash to the Bruce Peninsula, thousands of fish carcasses have been washing up on Ontario beaches and shorelines, alarming coastal communities.
Pictures of the pale and ghostly fish carcasses, some with bloody lesions, have been circulating on social media, depicting a variety of species including gizzard shad, rainbow smelt, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and even mudpuppies. While gizzard shad are known for large natural die-offs, the sheer volume and diversity of species affected have biologists worried about a possible outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
VHS, described as a “nasty fish disease,” has been spreading since its first report in Lake Ontario in 2005. It has since been detected in Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Lake Erie, and Lake Simcoe. While the virus is lethal to fish, it does not pose a threat to humans or other mammals.
University of Toronto PhD candidate Jennifer Powell, who studies endangered fish near Grand Bend, has been receiving reports and images of dead fish since late April. Many of the fish, especially gizzard shad, display bleeding on their sides and mouths, typical of VHS infection. Powell emphasizes that the hemorrhages seen in the images could be indicative of the virus.
The response to the fish die-off by provincial and federal authorities has been criticized for its perceived lack of action. Despite the seriousness of VHS as an internationally reportable disease, there has been no confirmation of the virus’s presence in the recent fish deaths. Concerned residents are seeking answers regarding potential human health risks, water quality issues, and the impact on pets, but the lack of information from government agencies is exacerbating their anxieties.
While Fisheries and Oceans Canada believes the fish deaths are due to natural causes typical of spring fish kill events, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks has not reported any abnormal water conditions. The absence of concrete information from authorities is fueling public concern and highlighting the need for transparency and communication in addressing environmental incidents.
Efforts to investigate the cause of the fish deaths and determine the presence of VHS in Lake Huron are crucial for safeguarding marine life and ensuring the health of the ecosystem. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual sightings to authorities to aid in the ongoing monitoring and protection of the Great Lakes.
