The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined a fish virus was responsible for the recent fish kill in Storm Lake. According to DNR staff, the thousands of dead carp washing up on shore were caused by the Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), and it is the first time an outbreak of this pathogen has occurred in Iowa. DNR Fisheries Biologist Ben Wallace says, “We have collected live, healthy fish from 13 different species in Storm Lake to be tested to confirm that the virus is not spreading to other species.” KHV is deadly for carp and spreads quickly within the population. Wallace notes the effect was likely magnified due to the outbreak coinciding with carp spawning season. As for the carcasses littering Storm Lake’s beaches and shores, Wallace believes scavenging animals and decomposition should take care of that problem quickly. He says, “The best way Storm Lake users can help is to push the dead fish back into the water. Make sure you wear gloves when you handle the fish.” DNR staff notes that KHV is unlikely to eliminate the existing carp population. There have been no recorded instances of the virus infecting humans or other fish species.
