GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Biologists say they’ve found the likely cause of a large fish die-off on the Bay of Green Bay and the Fox River that was detected in June.
Officials say the fish, mostly adult channel catfish, died of a bacterial infection, columnaris, that officials say saw a severe outbreak in the area.
Columnaris is caused by the Flavobacterium columnare bacteria. The outbreaks are considered a normal, natural occurrence, and can flare up after rainwater runs off into the river during the warm season.
Aquatic veterinarian Dr. Nicole Nietlisbach says the outbreak in the river has stopped.
Columnaris is not dangerous to humans, but DNR officials encourage anglers to thoroughly cook their fish before consumption anyway, as fish can carry other types of bacteria, as well as parasites, that are harmful to humans.
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