OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ)- DNR officials say a fish die-off last month in Lake Winnebago was likely caused by a virus.
Hundreds of dead fish were found in the Fond Du Lac area in April.
The dead fish included mostly freshwater drum or sheepshead. The DNR said they also found some bluegill, perch, carp, crappie and largemouth bass.
Dead fish were collected from areas near Oshkosh, and sent to La Crosse for testing.
Samples from Fond du Lac tested positive for a virus called viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
DNR officials say the late winter created favorable conditions for viruses.
“This outbreak on Winnebago serves as a stark reminder to all anglers about the critical importance of disinfecting boats and gear when moving between bodies of water,” Kendall Kamke, fisheries team supervisor for the DNR at Oshkosh, said in a news release.
The virus is not known to be harmful to humans.
