Q&A: How You Can Help

• Are there any rules I need to be aware of as an angler or boater?
• Should I be as concerned about live bait like leeches, worms, grubs and hellgrammites as I am about bait fish?
• What should I do if I see a fish kill or diseased fish?
• How do I disinfect my boat and equipment?
• What should I stock in my boat or vehicle to reduce the risk of VHS?
• Where can I get updates on where VHS has been found and updates on advice?

Are there any rules that I need to be aware of as an angler or boater or steps I can take to help prevent the spread of VHS?

Yes. Please visit VHS Prevention for the current rules and additional steps you can take to help prevent the spread of VHS.

Should I be as concerned about live bait like leeches, worms, grubs and hellgrammites as I am about bait fish?

Everyone should be aware of the potential of spreading VHS by various kinds of bait. Unlike bait fish, bait such as leeches, worms, grubs and hellgrammites cannot be infected with VHS. Therefore, there is less of a chance that VHS will be spread when using live bait other than bait fish. However, the bait listed above can carry and transmit the virus if it has been in contact with infected waters or fish. As a result, it's necessary that you empty your live well or bucket, and not move live bait to any new waters to help prevent the spread of VHS.

What should I do if I see a fish kill or diseased fish?

• Note the waterbody, date, fish species, and approximate number of dead/dying fish.
• If you caught a suspicious looking fish, place the fish in a plastic bag and then in a cooler on ice.
• Contact either your local fisheries biologist or call the DNR TIP line at 1-800-TIP-WDNR which is 1-800-847-9367.
• Please call first and please don't bring the suspect fish into a DNR office or hatchery unless instructed to do so. DNR hatcheries operate under strict rules to prevent any disease from entering the hatchery. Bringing a possibly diseased fish to a hatchery increases the risk of spreading disease to hatchery fish.

How do I disinfect my boat and equipment?

The DNR recommends that if you are spending time in VHS infected waters, to disinfect personal protective gear, small equipment and the inside and outside of larger equipment such as boats, trailers, live wells, bilges and pumps before entering another body of water. A solution of 1/3 cup chlorine bleach per 5 gallons of water can be used to properly disinfect these items. Follow these steps to help stop the spread of VHS:

• Remove all aquatic plants, animals and mud from your boat, trailer and equipment.
• Drain all water from your motor, live well, bilge, etc.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
• Scrub or spray equipment with the disinfection solution and leave wet for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with clean water, or if you are going to a different lake on the same day, you can rinse the boat with water from the new lake before you launch. This is best done over gravel and away from the lake. Disinfection can also be done at home. It does not have to be done at the boat landing unless you plan to go to another lake immediately.
• As a general practice, organize your schedule so that your time spent in infested waters is always done last.

Inspect your boat and remove all visible plants and animals.

What should I stock in my boat or vehicle to reduce the risk of VHS?

To properly disinfect your boat and equipment, it's recommended that you carry bleach, clean water if none is available on site, a sponge for scrubbing, bucket, gloves, eye protection and rain gear. DNR staff has also found it helpful to use a backpack sprayer filled with the prepared disinfection solution, which might be a safer and easier method than transporting and mixing disinfectants on site. As a reminder, disinfection should be done away from the lake and is best done on gravel to prevent the solution from running into the water body.

Where can I get updates on where VHS has been found and advice?

You can visit the VHS Web site, contact your local service center, or call the toll free call center at (800) 282-0367 or (608) 266-2621 for information and updates.

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