California wildlife officials are trying to eradicate bacteria outbreaks at two fish hatcheries located in the eastern Sierra. Nearly 350,000 rainbow trout will have to be killed. Inyo County’s Black Rock and Fish Springs hatcheries were the first to detect Lactococcus Petuari, a naturally occurring bacteria. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife released a Monday statement. According to the department, these facilities are used for stocking waterways in California’s desert inland areas.
According to the statement, Fish and Wildlife will euthanize the fish and contract with an external vendor in order to supply rainbow trout that can be planted in waterways this summer. Officials said that other state hatcheries would help the eastern Sierra facilities make up for the difference by placing fish into certain waters.
Russell Black, Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Supervisor, stated that “this loss is a great disappointment, but it was prepared for and will do all we can to ensure continued angling opportunities for the public.”
According to the department, the bacteria is naturally occurring and spreads most easily by movement of eggs and fish. Scientists suspect that the bacteria may have been transmitted to fish by birds who brought it to hatcheries.
The department stated that fish can develop symptoms such as “bulging eyes”, lethargic or erratic swimming, and higher mortality. Asymptomatic infection may not be present in all fish. Although it’s unlikely that anyone would get the bacteria from fish, the department advised fishermen to cook their fish to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. They also warned dogs not to eat any salmon or trout caught in the region.
According to the department, they hope to prevent future outbreaks using two types of fish vaccines that were developed by scientists from UC Davis.
