North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory--Real World Example

Here is a good example of the work at the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NCVDL). This article was taken from The NCVDL Report Volume 5 Issue 1 and written by Dr. Richard Oliver, Director of the Arden Laboratory in Fletcher.

Western North Carolina was subjected to abnormally low temperatures from late December 2009 through January 2010. Over a two week period that coincided with the onset of sub-freezing air temperatures, an owner reported losing around 30 common carp. The fish were swimming at the pond's surface while lying on their sides. The fish were able to swim away when approached. The pond had a very high stocking density with about 50,000 pounds of fish in approximately 3-acres. It had an iced over surface covered with snow during most, if not all, of this episode.

One 26-lb female carp was submitted for laboratory evaluation. She had a good amount of flesh with respect to skeletal muscle mass yet there was virtually no visceral fat present. The gastrointestinal tract was devoid of content and the majority of the body cavity was dominated by an expanded air bladder along with a vast amount of ovarian tissue which showed some indication of deterioration. Mucus scrapes and gill preps indicated low parasite numbers. Histopathology confirmed widespread, chronic ovarian degeneration. The diagnosis was Dystocia.

In spawning, fish dystocia is the lack of spawn coupled with the non-resorption of eggs in the body cavity. Ovarian swelling induces impingement on the pneumocystic duct and the fish's ability to pnuemoregulate is impaired. (The air bladder swells and can not be properly deflated--you try diving with a life preserver)! Increased pressure in the body cavity also leads to a decrease in feed consumption and ultimately, liver and kidney malfunction. The condition is greatly exacerbated by extreme cold with water temperatures below 37 ^oF being the critical point.

Special thanks to Jeffrey Hinshaw, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research Station for his assistance on this case. Thanks also to Dr. Richard Oliver for allowing me to post his article to my blog.

Salt as a Treatment for Fish

Salt is a common and relatively inexpensive treatment for fish. The use of non-iodized table salt or rock salt (suitable for consumption by humans or livestock) is acceptable for treatment. For ease of application, many pond owners use 50 lb salt brine blocks. "Brine" blocks are salt blocks. Granular salt can also be purchased in bags or bulk.

Seawater contains 3% (30,000 ppm) salt concentration. Two hundred ppm (200 ppm) to 500 ppm can be used as an indefinite treatment in ponds to relieve stress. Ten thousand ppm (10,000 ppm) to 30,000 ppm can be used as a prolonged treatment in tanks for 30 minutes or until fish show signs of stress. Thirty thousand ppm (30,000 ppm) can also be used as a quick dip (60 seconds) in treatment tanks. To achieve 30,000 ppm in a tank, you add 2 1/2 lbs of salt for every 10 gallons of water. For ponds, 1 ppm is equal to 2.7 lbs/acre-ft of water. You need to know how many acre-feet of water you have in your pond (surface acres x average depth) to determine the treatment rate.

Carp Pond Forum 2010

The Carp Pond Forum 2010 is scheduled for Monday, March 29 at 6:30 pm at the Cleveland County Extension Center, 130 South Post Road Suite 1, Shelby. Carp Pond owners, this is your opportunity to interact with Calvin Keith Crawford, Midway Lakes, Manuel Fredell, Creekside Carp & Catfish Lakes, and Doug Whitaker, Whit-Mar Lakes, as they lead a round table discussion on owning and operating a carp pond. Dinner will be provided with your $10 registration fee ($15 for 2). Make checks payable to: McDowell Cooperative Extension. Mail to McDowell Cooperative Extension, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752. Call Molly Sandfoss or Cheryl Mitchell at 828-652-7874 with questions. Must register by March 25.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Stocking Permit

As of July 1, 2005, anyone interested in stocking inland, public fishing waters with fish, mollusks, or crustaceans must obtain a stocking permit issued by the Wildlife Commission. The purpose of this permit is to protect native, or legally established aquatic species from the potentially damaging effects of unauthorized stockings. Fish stocked into public waters have the potential to escape into adjacent waters and create problems for existing aquatic communities by feeding on eggs, fry, or adults of existing fishes. They may compete for food and habitat. Stockings may also introduce diseases and parasites, and possibly interbreeding.

The only waters not affected by this rule are private ponds, which by statute is defined as bodies of water arising within and lying wholly upon the lands of a single owner or group of joint owners or tenants in common, and from which fish cannot escape, and into which fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at any time.

Since most ponds in western North Carolina are built by impounding streams, they are considered public waters. The term public does not imply that the general public has the right to fish these waters without landowner permission. It means that the waters flowing through the pond are contiguous with adjacent streams.

There is NO charge from this permit. You can find out how to apply by visiting www.ncwildlife.org/fishing/fish_stocking_permit.htm or by calling 919-707-0226. I can also help you getting an application for the stocking permit.

Basic Seafood HACCP Training

Basic Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points Training, February 16-18, Morehead City--This annual, two-and-a-half day workshop is designed for personnel in regulatory agencies, the seafood industry, particularly distributors and processors, and others who are required to have an FDA Seafood HACCP Plan in place for handling fresh seafood and seafood products. Cost is $150 per person which includes training, course books and certification fee. The link to the website, www.ncsu.edu/foodscience/workshops_training.htm

North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference

North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference, January 22-23, Atlantic Beach--An annual program that updates attendees on the status of aquaculture in North Carolina including research updates. The conference will also address topics on seafood safety, aquaculture effluent, niche markets, and more. For a detailed look at the agenda, www.ncaquaculture.org

USDA Announces Implementation of Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs

Beginning September 14, 2009 Producers may sign up to participate in these programs.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that producers may begin applying for benefits under the provisions of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). These permanent disaster programs, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, replace previous ad-hoc disaster assistance programs and are funded through the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund.

"President Obama and I are committed to meeting the needs of those producers who have suffered devastating losses from natural disasters," said Vilsack. "These programs ensure that producers who have suffered agriculture losses receive the critical disaster assistance needed to remain financially solvent and help them continue on in their operations."

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. For drought, the losses must have occurred on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or a crop planted specifically for grazing for covered livestock due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the specific type of grazing land in the county. For fire, LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses on rangeland managed by a federal agency if the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a qualifying fire.

Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine. For losses due to drought, qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html.

ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including losses due to blizzards and wildfires. ELAP assistance is for losses not covered under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs established by the 2008 Farm Bill, specifically LFP, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). ELAP is being implemented to fill in the gap and provide assistance under other conditions determined to be appropriate.

For both programs, producers must have suffered losses that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011. There is a total $100,000 limitation per crop year that applies to payments received under ELAP, LFP, LIP or SURE. For the 2008 crop year, the $100,000 limitation is per "person" as defined and determined under payment limitation rules in effect for 2008. For crop years 2009 through 2011, the $100,000 limitation applies to payments received, both directly and indirectly, by a person or legal entity. Furthermore, individuals or entities are ineligible for payment under ELAP or LFP for 2008 if their average Adjusted Gross Income for 2005, 2006 and 2007 exceeds $2.5 million. For 2009 through 2011, an average adjusted gross nonfarm income limitation of $500,000 applies and is determined using the three taxable years that precede the most immediately preceding complete taxable year (for 2009, the applicable years are 2005, 2006 and 2007).

For more information or to apply for ELAP or LFP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office orwww.fsa.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Geese Control

A few people have asked me about geese control...Here are some solutions for your geese problems. To control geese a COMBINATION of these methods are necessary. Here they are:

1) NOISE

Under best conditions, 3 - 4 strategically placed cannons may protect up to 25 acres from goose depredation. Many of today's newer models of cannons come with variable timers and rotators that increase effectiveness. Stationary noisemakers, such as cannon, should be moved every 2 - 3 days to prevent habituation by geese.

Mylar tape or birdscare tape might work as well. It is a reflective piece of material that is bright red on one side and bright silver on the other. Feed and Seed stores should have in stock or order for you. Remote controlled airplanes can scare off geese and has had some success.

Another type of auditory approach is use of pyrotechnics, such as whistlers, noise bombs, shellcrackers, and screamer or banger rockets. These firecracker-like devices are shot from a hand-held pistol or 12-gauge shotgun out over a group of geese on land or water where the projectile then explodes. Some of these devices have a range of about 50 - 75 yards. Always check local regulations (police/sheriff’s dept) to be sure of noise ordinances and let them know of your intention to use these materials so that they will be aware of the activity and avoid an unnecessary response to calls of "shots being fired."

2) TASTE

Goose Chase and Fruit Shield are nontoxic bird repellents that contain 26.4% active ingredient, methyl anthranilate, by weight. Methyl anthranilate, or 2-aminobenzoic acid methyl ester, is an aromatic acid ester that occurs naturally in grapes (although the methyl anthranilate in these products is synthetically produced). Methyl anthranilate is a food-grade compound that is used to impart "grape" flavor. Apparently, this flavor is offensive to birds, and they will not eat vegetation treated with it. This product has a UV coloring agent that, according to the manufacturer, the geese are able to see and associate with an area that has been treated with the feeding deterrent. Follow directions and you shouldn’t have a problem with it leaving your property and entering a local waterbody. Be sure to work closely with timing applications with mowing and watering schedules.

3) FEAR WITH WATER

Water Spraying Animal Repeller is a good deterrent because it senses motion and sprays a 3 to 4-second burst of water then resets. Spray coverage can be adjusted from a narrow 10° coverage to 360°, and the 35-foot range lets you place the device where it makes the most sense. Effective on dogs, cats, raccoons, deer, etc. Simply pull up the device, move it to a different location, and turn the water on. Soon, animals won't know where they'll be sprayed from, and will be wary of entering the protected area. Requires a 9V battery (sold separately), which powers the unit for approximately 6 months under normal use.

4) IRRITATING FEEL

Sticky, non-toxic material to stop bird roosting because it is extremely irritating to roosting birds; available in caulk tube; inexpensive. Varying product names: Bird Tanglefoot, Bird-Proof Gel or Liquid. Harmless to metal structures, sealed masonry and ornamental metals, works in any weather, indoors or outdoors, literally anywhere: on water tanks, trees, shrubbery, shipping docks and railroad sidings, yards, parking lots, etc. Apply to roosting edges ledges, windowsills, gutters, cornices, ornamental copings and protruding beams-any surface where birds roost or perch. For trees, bushes, shrubbery and most broad surfaces that would make cartridge application impractical, spray on Bird-Proof Liquid Spray. Keep birds away from parking facilities, trees, bushes, shrubbery and most broad surface areas with Bird-Proof.

5) EXCLUSION

Typically Canada geese prefer to have direct access from the water to walk onto the shoreline.

-Do the banks slope into the pond (this type of bank makes it easy to walk onto the shoreline or is there a straight drop off?

-Obstructions at the shoreline. This process involves the planting of certain types of vegetation or installation of fencing.

-Add in more plants around the banks or leave a buffer area 10-20 ft wide (example list provided). Modifying uninterrupted shorelines with shrubs or boulders every 10 to 20 yards, may reduce an area’s attractiveness to geese, as well as to other waterfowl and shorebirds.

-If a fence is present at the shoreline then this obstruction can prove successful in limiting the presence of geese on the property. Fence ponds prior to the molt (loss of flight feathers in early summer) to prevent access to water and discourage geese from remaining in the area when they are flightless.

When Canada goose access denial to a water source is required, then serious consideration should also be given to the installation of an overhead “grid system” in conjunction with a perimeter fence. This may not be practical for large ponds.

6) POPULATION REDUCTION

Federal and state permits are needed to handle geese, or destroy eggs or nests.

Thanks to Wendi Hartup, Extension Agent, Forsyth County, for providing this information.

2008 Aquaculture Grant Update

The application for the 2008 North Carolina Aquaculture Grant program is now online at http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/aquacutlure/2008AGP.htm.

If you have a NC Aquaculture License, you should also receive a hard copy by US mail.

Detailed information on program requirements and restrictions is included with your application packet. Please note the eligibility requirements. Also please note the application deadline of July 29, 2009. NC will be issuing feed vouchers for this program. Vouchers can only be used for future feed purchases and not to settle current feed debts.

The purpose

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Section 102 (d) of the Recovery Act provides $50 million to administer a 2008 Aquaculture Grant Program (AGP) to assist aquaculture producers for losses associated with high feed input costs during 2008.

Who may apply?

Only persons currently farming aquaculture species in North Carolina with a North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Aquaculture Production License or Division of Marine Fisheries Aquaculture Operations Permit qualify for this program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

During 2008, an aquaculture producer met the following criteria:

• raised an aquaculture species in a controlled environment; maintained the aquaculture species as part of a farming operation and had a risk in the production of such species;
• produced an aquaculture species for which 2008 feed costs represented at least 25% of the producer's total input costs for the aquaculture operation as certified by the producer;
  
• experienced at least a 25% increase in 2008 feed costs above the previous 5-year average (2003-2007); and
• is currently in operation (2009), as of the date of the AGP application with NCDA&CS.

Matt Parker 252-633-1477 or Debra Sloan 828-524-1264 are your contacts for this program.

Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop

I just love grabbing a home-grown tomato off the vine, fresh for dinner. Wouldn't it be great if you could have some homegrown trout or catfish with your garden veggies? If you have a pond, you can. And, we all know fish is good for you.

A Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop will be presented on May 4 at 6:00 pm by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. There is a $5 registration fee, $7 for couples. You must register by Thursday, April 30. Make checks payable and mail to McDowell Extension Service, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752. Attn: Aquaculture Workshop.

The meeting will be held in the County Administration Building in the McDowell County Extension Service Conference Room on the 2nd floor, 60 East Court Street, Marion.

For more information, contact Cheryl Mitchell, 828-652-7874.

How Much Should I Treat?

How much should I treat with? That is often the first question one asks when a treatment is necessary. Fish diseases require different treatments at different rates. Identifying the fish disease is the first step. There are several North Carolina Department of Agriculture Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories across the state to help in identifying the disease problem.

Once the disease is identified, a treatment can be recommended. Applying the correct treatment at the required rate is necessary to remedy the fish disease. But the question still remains...how much should I treat with? This is because most pond owners do not know the size or the average depth of their pond.

Do you know the size of your pond? What is the average depth? There are methods to help to determine the surface acreage of your pond and the average depth.

Rectangular or square ponds can be measured by pacing or a tape measure. The length and width of the pond needs to be measured.

Surface area = length (feet) x width (feet) = area ft²
Area = ft²/43,560 ft² = surface acres

If the pond is circular, the circumference needs to be measured. The circumference is the distance around the shoreline.

Surface area = circumference (feet) x circumference (feet) = area ft²
Area ft²/547,390 = surface acres

Many ponds are irregularly-shaped. Approximate the pond shape as either square, rectangle, or circle by measuring the boundary lines that most nearly represent the actual shoreline. This pond shape can be approximated as a rectangle.



Surface area = length (feet) x width (feet) = area ft²
Area ft²/43,560 ft² = surface acres

If the pond is triangular, the base and the height should be measured. Multiply those two numbers, take half of the resulting amount, and divide by 43,560.

Surface area = width (feet) x height (feet)/2 = area ft²
Area ft²/43,560 ft² = surface acres

Average Depth Calculation

Average depth can be determined by taking uniformly-spaced soundings over the entire pond surface. This can be done from a boat. The measurements can be taken with a long pole, chain, or weighted rope marked off in feet. At least 15 measurements should be taken. Add the measurements and divide the number of measurements taken.

Frequency of Measurements

Pond measurements should be re-taken whenever there is an appreciable change in either surface area or average depth. Significant changes in surface area occur when existing ponds are enlarged. However, average depth changes very gradually over a period of years as a result of natural processes. Sediment inflow and the accumulation of decomposing vegetation will cause a pond to gradually become shallower. A pond that may have been 15 feet deep when it was constructed may only be 10 feet deep after several years. Average depth should be re-calculated every five years to account for gradual filling in of the pond. Soil disturbances in the watershed or excessive accumulation of decomposing vegetation in the pond will require more frequent measurement of the water depth.

Let's Make Some Pond Measurements

I would like to offer my assistance in making your pond measurements. We can have on record how big your pond is. When making treatments, you can start with a better estimate of how much to treat. All you need is a boat or canoe to take us over the pond surface. Please contact me to schedule an appointment.

Stocking Hybrid Sunfish

In the fall of the year, many people decide to stock ponds. There are different options when stocking fish. You can find out what North Carolina recommends by looking at the NC State University Fisheries and Pond Management Extension website.

One of the options involves stocking hybrid sunfish. Stocking hybrids seems to be a popular option. But it is important to learn more about hybrids before making this choice. I have found a great resource from Mississippi State University that discusses Managing Hybrid Sunfish.

First, a hybrid sunfish can be a cross from several sunfish (bluegill, redear, green, warmouth) species. The most common hybrid in the Southeast is the male bluegill with the female green sunfish.

Some important things to consider when stocking hybrids:

• Hybrids do have a trait called hybrid vigor. This can be seen in rapid and superior growth. Weights exceeding 2-lbs are common. And some may actually get to 3-lbs are greater, but this is not common.
• Hybrids are not sterile. They general produce more males than females limiting the reproduction.
• To see the full potential of the hybrid, it is necessary to stock them in a new pond or a completely renovated pond with no other bream species present.
• Hybrids must be stocked with a predator like largemouth bass or catfish.
• Security from poachers is a must. Hybrids are aggressive and highly catchable.
  

Bacterial Coldwater Disease

Skip Thompson wrote about Bacterial Coldwater Disease in his last version of Trout Aquaculture Newsletter volume 19 number 1. Here is what he has to say about it...

Bacterial Coldwater Disease (BCWD) is usually seen when water temperature is between 60-70 ^oF. One sign of the disease is the erosion of the tail (caudal) fin. Another sign is a discolored area above and slightly in front of the anal fin that becomes an ulcerated lesion that looks like a 'scooped-out' area.

BCWD usually affects trout less than 6" in size but chronic mortality can be seen in fish larger than 6". As the disease progresses, trout can be seen with the entire caudal fin missing with erosion of the peduncle or fleshy part just in front of the fin. Another name for the disease is peduncle disease.

Prevention & Control

BCWD can apparently enter trout eggs and is not sensitive to a standard treatment of 100 ppm iodophor (Wescodyne, Argentyne, etc). Instead eggs should be disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide at 100 ppm (4.1 mL/gal of water at 35% active ingredient) (28.7 mL/gal of water at 5% active ingredient).

Routine flow-through treatments at 1.0-1.5 ppm Hyamine^® or other quaternary ammonium compounds reportedly are effective in prevention and in the early stages of infection. However, this approach is not effective once the disease has progressed to erosion of the peduncle and caudal fin.

Stress associated with rearing density contributes to higher level of mortality. In fact, the level of mortality usually will decrease if the trout are simply split into two or more raceways, lowering the density. Mortalities and trout showing the symptoms should be removed quickly since dead trout shed almost 70 times more bacterial than live trout.

If you choose to use an antibiotic, Terramycin^® (oxytetracycline) is not effective when used at the approved rate of 2.5-3.75 g/100 lbs of fish for 10 days. However, Terramycin^® is reportedly effective when used at 16.5 g/100 lbs of trout for 10 days.

Aquaflor^® was approved for use in March 2007 against BCWD at 0.454 g/ 100 lbs of trout for 10 days, and the withdraw period is 15 days. It is worked well in North Carolina. In most instances with BCWD, it is best to first reduce the fish density and then use the antibiotic.

Disease Spotlight: Ich

It is getting close to that time of year when disease problems are more prevalent! Last year for the first time I identified Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) in a carp pond. Ich has also been referred to as White Spot. Ich is highly contagious and can spread quickly.

White spots on the skin or gills of the fish is a classic sign of Ich. The white spots are like small grains of salt that have been sprinkled over the skin of the fish. Fish may also appear to be irritated and have decreased activity--don't bite.

Ich goes through a life cycle. The breeding stage is when the parasite gets on the host skin. When this stage matures it leaves the fish and produces many, many young. These young must find a fish host in order to survive. This is the free-swimming stage of Ich.

Disease Treatment

Treatment can be difficult because the breeding stage is protected. The free-swimming stage is susceptible to treatment. Since the life cycle is dependent on water temperature so is the application of treatments. A single treatment will not do the job; multiple treatments are needed. The water temperature determines the timing of the treatments. Warmer temperatures (75-79^oF), treatments are performed every other day. Cooler temperatures (60^oF) require treatments to be performed 4 to 5 days apart.

A common treatment is copper sulfate. Beware, copper sulfate can be toxic to fish at low alkalinities. Alkalinity must be measured before treatment. The concentration of copper sulfate is determined based on alkalinity.

Potassium permanganate is another option for those you can not use copper sulfate.

Remember, treat on sunny days. Many treatments kill the oxygen producing plankton in your pond. Have emergency aeration available. Aerators also help to mix the treatments in the pond.

Before treating, the correct diagnosis is essential. Please consult with your local extension agent about disease identification and treatment.

On a less serious note, in a local retail store in the Health & Beauty section, the aisle is labeled "Ich Relief". I chuckle to myself each time I pass it. (It is meant to be "Itch Relief").

Congratulations Sunburst Trout Company!

Kudos to Sunburst Trout Company for being awarded the Seafood Champion Award at the recent Boston Seafood Show. This is a highly prestigious award given to seafood industry leaders in sustainable, eco-friendly seafood. There were only six from around the world to win the honor. More information can be found at:

Asheville Citizen Times

Sunburst Trout Company

Seafood Champion Awards

Spread of the Exotic Zebra Mussel

Why is she blogging about zebra mussels? Zebra mussels are an invasive species. They were first detected in the Great Lakes in 1988, in Lake St. Clair, located between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. It is believed they were accidentally introduced into the lakes in the ballast water of ocean-going ships traversing the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Now to the point. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) was first identified in the Great Lakes. VHS is a virus that has caused significant die-offs of different species of fish. I have heard it said that the spread of VHS might mimic that of the zebra mussel. I found this web site that follows the spread of the zebra mussel through the years. Take a look. Interesting.

United States Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center

Genetic Research by USGS on Great Lakes VHS Strain

Winton and co-authors Gael Kurath and William Batts recently authored a new USGS fact sheet that describes important genetic information about isolates of VHSV from Great Lakes region (see http://wfrc.usgs.gov/pubs/factsheetpdf/vhsfs2011108.pdf).Other strains of the VHS virus are found in continental Europe, North Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea and North Sea.

"This Great Lakes strain appears to have an exceptionally broad host range," said Winton. "Significant die-offs have occurred in muskellunge, freshwater drum, yellow perch, round goby, emerald shiners and gizzard shad."

Genetic research at the WFRC and by colleagues from Canada showed that this strain of the virus was probably introduced into the Great Lakes in the last 5 to 10 years, and that the fish die-offs occurring among different species and in different lakes should be considered as one large ongoing epidemic. The USGS genetic research also indicated that the Great Lakes' strain of the virus was not from Europe, where three other strains of the virus occur, but more likely had its origin among marine or estuarine fish of the Atlantic seaboard of North America. The strain is genetically most like samples of VHSV recovered during 2000-2004 from diseased fish in areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Great Lakes' strain has now been isolated from more than 25 species of fish in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Saint Lawrence River and from inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Also, if VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions as well as direct losses from the disease.

Comments from Meeting about NC Wildlife Regulation Changes

On December 11, 2007, a meeting was held with two North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission biologists about proposing regulation changes on the wild harvest of common carp in North Carolina waters. Nine carp pond owners were in attendance representing 5 carp ponds. The discussion was initiated last year in response to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia outbreak in the Great Lakes region. In the past, many common carp have been hauled from this region and stocked into North Carolina carp ponds. Carp pond owners realized the importance of stopping the spread of this disease into North Carolina. But, it also left them with a problem of where to go now to get fish. It was suggested to try to harvest in North Carolina where the fish would not have to be transported long distances as well as keep exotic diseases out.

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting:

Common carp is classified as a non-game fish. Regulations are a less stringent since it is not considered a game fish. If it is taken for some purpose other than bait, it is regulated by a special device license. Special devices vary by county. Time of harvest vary by county. Many of these regulations originate within the county, and some regulations are politically driven.

Carp pond owners want common carp greater than 15 lbs. Twenty years ago it was common to get 19-20 lb fish. Today they average 15 lbs. Haulers are traveling as far away as South Dakota to get fish. Many of these carp are seined with mile long seines.

In North Carolina, carp were once harvested from Alligator River and the Currituck Sound. Also, harvest was permitted using 12 foot hoop nets. Now, 6 foot hoop net is permitted. Twelve foot hoop nets would be desired to harvest common carp in local lakes (Catawba chain of lakes, Yadkin and Pee-Dee chain as well).

Some carp pond owners cull their fish. Some owners cull carp 12 lbs and under.

Protocol for regulation changes:

In January, public meetings are held by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. At these meetings, proposed regulation changes can be entered into public record. Recommended regulation changes can also be sent in writing to the Wildlife Commission. They must be submitted before July. An internal review is down from staff’s recommendation and public input. Biological and enforcement staff reviews the comments where regulations are pared down. The Commissioners take staff recommendations. In January when public hearings are held, people can submit comments about proposed regulation changes.

Please feel free to comment. If you know ANY history about the harvest of common carp in North Carolina, please comment. I will add and update this post as more information is gathered.

Pond Owners-Now is a good time to lime.

Lime is used to increase alkalinity. Common liming material is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or agricultural limestone. Other liming materials include calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)--hydrated lime, slaked lime, builder's lime--and calcium oxide (CaO)--burnt lime, unslaked lime, quick lime. Calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide are not recommended unless you are applying to an empty fish pond because they can drastically change pH. They are also highly caustic which makes them dangerous to handle. You can purchase lime either in bulk which is cheaper or bagged which is easier to handle especially for small ponds.

Alkalinity can be checked with the water test kit, but a soil sample must be taken to determine the amount of lime to be added to your pond to increase the alkalinity. Approximately 10 samples should be taken from around, the pond. To collect soil from the deep areas, use a long pole with a can attached. Mix the samples in a 5-gallon bucket. Allow the sample to dry. Soil samples are sent to NCDA Soil Testing Lab for analysis. Make sure you identify the sample as a pond sample. You can get packing and shipping materials from your local NC Cooperative Extension office. Make sure that you follow the directions for packing, or your sample may not be analyzed.

You can also determine the lime requirement by using the same application rate that people are using for crops in your area. If the rate is correct, the total alkalinity should be above 20 mg/l after 3 to 4 weeks. If not, apply more and check again in 3 to 4 weeks. For a general recommendation, ponds seldom need less than 2 tons/acre and it is not uncommon to apply 5 tons/acre. Check alkalinity in 3 to 4 weeks. If low, apply again.

Typically, lime can be added any time of year, but it is usually added in the late fall and winter to allow the lime time to react with the soil and water before spring. You need to remember that you are treating the pond bottom as well as the water so when applying the lime should be applied over the whole pond as much as possible. Lime can be applied from a boat or a platform attached to a boat, for large applications.

Discussion about NC Wildlife Resources Regulation Changes

I have invited two North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists for a meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 6-9pm in Statesville at the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Service office (444 Bristol Drive). This will give carp pond owners the opportunity to discuss your needs and desires with them. This will also provide us with the proper procedures for requesting a regulation change.

In addition to this important discussion, a carp pond owner will give his personal experience on water quality highlighting salting and liming your carp pond. Hope to see you there!