Musky Pox???

[BASSSTALKER]

Research continues on muskie pox
Michigan fisheries officials reminded anglers on Lake St. Clair to report observations of sick or dead muskie that appear to suffer Piscirickettsia, commonly called "muskie pox."



The bacterial disease, which does not affect humans, was first identified by DNR and Michigan State U. scientists in early 2002. It is 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 very sensitive to antibiotics, indicating that infected fish can be treated.



Research in 2004 will focus on developing a management strategy to control the disease and slow its spread. Fish sampling will focus on muskies as well as likely prey species