DNR names virus as cause of Madison carp deaths

MADISON, Wis. — According to a new report from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a virus originating in 2014 is the likely cause of recent die-offs among Madison carp.

DNR officials say the koi herpesvirus first appeared in Wisconsin in the Rock River near Horicon in 2014, and first came to Madison around Aug. 11, originating in Lake Kegonsa. While the DNR says the virus is not harmful to humans, they recommend using gloves when handling infected trout, since the dead fish may be carrying other bacteria.

Officials say that die-offs may increase as the waters in Madison lakes cool off during the fall. As of now, there is no treatment for the virus among wild carp populations.

COPYRIGHT 2023 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.