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Background:
Black crappies from the Madison Lakes presented with large open raised sores as early as the late 1980’s.
Originally this condition was diagnosed via electron microscopy as possibly being related to a rickettsial agent,
although never confirmed. At the same time fish from Staples Lake (Barron and Polk Co.) were noticed to have
the same condition. In the mid-2000s the condition started being reported in large numbers in the Polk, Barron,
Dane counties and the Lake Winnebago area. Incidence appears to run in cycles with the condition going from 1-
2% to as high as 20-30% of fish being affected. Currently the Polk and Barron regions seem to be the most
heavily affected. Actual prevalence is not known; however, on some lakes anglers have begun to voluntary
monitor and keep records of the prevalence of infected fish. In 2005/6 an unknown virus was isolated from 1
sample and sent to Dr. Tom Waltzek for identification. However, due to unfortunate circumstances the virus was
damaged in the shipping and could not be analyzed. In addition, it has never been isolated from any subsequent
sampling.
Clinical signs:
Lesions can appear anywhere on the body of black crappies; however, they are often located along the
operculum, mid-body, dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. They develop into large open raised sores that penetrate
deep into the muscle eventually resulting in liquefactive necrosis of tissue.
Preliminary Diagnosis:
Plans:
Financial Needs: