Bob Wise, Governor
Ed Hamrick, Director

News Release
For release: January 11, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

DNR Completes Survey for Largemouth Bass Virus

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast Fishery Center Fish Health Laboratory, completed a survey of four West Virginia lakes for the presence of largemouth bass virus (LMBV) in 2004, according to Bret Preston , Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. No LMBV was found in largemouth bass evaluated from Stonewall Jackson, Cheat, Sutton, and Summersville reservoirs. In 2003, LMBV was detected in fish collected from Sutton Reservoir.

  LMBV is difficult to detect if only present in low frequency. The positive result from 2003 indicates that LMBV is present and care should be taking in handling of fish. In addition, anglers are encouraged to clean boats and especially livewells. Anglers can help control the spreading of LMBV by cleaning all livewells, as well as other tanks and holding facilities with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water.

**DNR**