Posted: 06.07.2010

State wildlife officials are warning
northwestern Wisconsin could see widespread fish kills soon.
Department of Natural Resources biologists say a bacteria called
Columnaris becomes active after water temperatures reach 65 to 70
degrees from late May until late June.

The bacteria can't hurt humans, but it can infect fish, eroding
their skin, causing their bodily fluids to leak and killing them
quickly. Bluegill, crappies, yellow perch and bullheads already
stressed from seasonal spawning are most vulnerable.

DNR experts say outbreaks could occur on lakes in Polk, Barron,
Washburn and Burnett counties over the next few weeks. But they say
although the bacteria can appear to produce large kills, it usually
doesn't have catastrophic effects on overall fish populations.

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