CANNON FALLS, Minn. - A virus is blamed for significant numbers of carp washing up on the shores of Lake Byllesby near Cannon Falls in recent days.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the virus blamed for the kill affects only common carp and koi, and is not reason for greater concern.
After receiving recent reports of dead fish showing up on the shore staff at the DNR’s Lake City fisheries office collected samples and sent them to the DNR’s pathology lab and to the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Research Center at the University of Minnesota. Both laboratories confirmed the fish died after being infected with the koi herpes virus (KHV), which only affects common carp and koi, an ornamental member of the carp family kept in aquariums and outdoor ponds.
KHV kills carp by damaging their gills and skin. It cannot be transferred to humans or to other animals. The virus has been found in several other lakes in southern Minnesota over the past year, including Jonathan, Washington, Elysian, Tetonka, Gorman, Dora, Sabre and Cottonwood.
The virus likely found its way into Minnesota waters through the purposeful release or escape of koi into the wild, which is illegal.
Fish kills of all types can be reported to the DNR by calling 651-649-5451 or 800-422-0798.
