Public hearing on proposed rules to stop spread of fish disease

The meeting begins at 5:30pm this evening at the Wisconsin Highway Patrol Headquarters, 2805 Martin Ave.

Under the proposal, emergency rules now in place for controlling and preventing the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, would become permanent. There could be some revisions and clarifications, according to Bill Horns, a Department of Natural Resources fish biologist leading rule development.

VHS is not a threat to people, pets or wildlife, but it can infect a broad range of native species and caused fish kills in several eastern Great Lakes in 2005 and 2006. It was detected in fish this spring from the Lake Winnebago system and from Lake Michigan.

The proposed permanent rules require boaters, anglers and other water recreational users not move live fish and water from lakes and rivers where VHS has been detected or is suspected of being present.