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Appleton – A lethal fish virus has been found in the Great Lakes and is threatening the survival of 19 species of fish accorind to media reports Monday.

The state Department of Natural Resources are trying to figure out just how to get rid of the virus to save the fish as it is likely that the fish population is going to take a major hit from this fish virus.

The virus is a viral hemorrhagig septicemia vrius (VHS). and causes anemia and bleeding in fish. The fishing industry is very nervous as the New York fishing industry alone is estimated to be worth $2 billion dollar a year

The virus had been discovered last Saturday in dead fish from Little Lake Butte des Morts, which is part of the Winnebago chain of lakes.

Guidelines for fishermen have been given out already to try and maintain the spread of the virus as tests continue and the virus continues to move onward.

On Thursday, the state Natural Resources Board approved an emergency rule aimed at preventing the virus from spreading.

It requires anglers to take special measures to keep the virus isolated to the Winnebago system, Great Lakes and Mississippi River. If it turns up in any other inland water, the emergency rule will be applied statewide.