CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - State wildlife officials are working to prevent the spread of a potentially fatal bass virus.
The Division of Natural Resources has found the largemouth bass virus in bass populations in Sutton, Stonewall Jackson, East Lynn and North Bend lakes.
DNR fisheries biologist Chris O'Bara tells West Virginia Public Broadcasting that the virus hasn't been linked to any fish deaths. But it can be fatal.
O'Bara says the virus can spread in numerous ways, including moving fish from one body of water to another. A boat also can bring contaminated water into another body of water.
The DNR is asking anglers and other boaters to clean their boats with a bleach solution.
O'Bara says infected fish are safe to eat as long as they are well-cooked and well-prepared.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
