Move over Asian carp: Here comes VHS

It looks like the Asian carp menace could have competition in headlines. Researchers say they have found traces of the deadly fish disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, in Lake Superior. This means the deadly virus is now confirmed in all of the great lakes.

The new study was conducted by Cornell University scientists. According to a report by the Associated Press:

The Cornell researchers teamed with the U.S. Geological Survey for their study. They tested 874 fish for signs of VHS.

Fish tested positive for trace amounts at four locations: Paradise and Skanee in Michigan and St. Louis Bay and Superior Bay in Wisconsin.

That’s bad news, according to the AP report, because the disease has been found to infect 28 freshwater fish species in the great lakes, including popular sport and commercial varieties such as walleye, muskellunge and whitefish.

So what’s the big dead about the disease?

VHS causes bleeding, bloated abdomens and bulging eyes in fish before finally killing them. Scientists are unsure how the exotic species arrived in the Great Lakes, although it may have been carried by migrating fish or been carried in ballast water of oceangoing ships.

And while the study does not indicate a need for immediate action in Lake Superior, both the Michigan DNR and the Wisconsin DNR have sounded off on the study:

“VHS remains a threat to all the Great Lakes, and we will increase our efforts to slow the spread through public awareness of the simple things boaters and anglers can do to help,” said Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

And from Wisconsin:

“We’re disappointed with Cornell’s finding but not surprised,” said Matt Frank, director of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

So the ultimate question — which ecological threat is going to have a faster, more destructive impact on the great lakes fishery economy, the VHS threat, or Asian Carp? Let’s hope neither.