DNR fish biologists are fairly sure columnaris infection is to blame for the recent fish kill at Stonewall Jackson Lake. Columnaris is an unusual infection brought on by a sudden increase in water temperature.
“While we are awaiting final reports from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Fish Health Center in Lamar, Pa., initial findings suggest that the fish died from a bacterial infection,” said DNR Assistant Chief for Warmwater Fisheries Brett Preston.
The columnaris bacterium is fairly common in water and generally poses no harm to fish populations. However, when combined with other extreme conditions it can cause stress and allow disease to spread rapidly through water’s aquatic population.
Fish samples have been tested and now water quality tests are pending with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the West Virginia DEP. DNR investigators are curious about whether Stonewall Jackson Lake experienced a rapid increase in water temperature or a change in the dissolved oxygen content of the water column. Each could be associated with the death of more than 1,000 crappie in the lake. The kill, which continued over the course of four to six days, also claimed a handful of bluegills and bass.
“Columnaris outbreaks and fish kills in other areas of the country have been linked to unusually high or rapidly changing water temperatures or low dissolved oxygen levels,” said DNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Kevin Yokum. “We are looking at the possibility that high water temperatures and earlier than usual stratification of the lake may have coincided with the spawning period of crappie in the lake. The added stress during spawning may have affected crappie and made them vulnerable to a columnaris infection.”
Biologists are covering all bases with their investigation. There was some initial fear the fish may have suffered viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS. This ailment has created fish kills and concern among several species in the Great Lakes. Preliminary testing on the West Virginia fish kill by scientists and researchers at Cornell University Veterinary School were negative for VHS. The Cornell lab is among the world’s foremost authorities on VHS. The C-U testing did reveal a heavy presence of the columnaris bacteria.
The DNR has consulted with the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health and there is no indication of a human health concern associated with the columnaris infection.