Mass Fish Die-Off at Lake Velence Linked to Viral Infection
Over five tons of silver carp reportedly decimated, but experts reassure local residents of the situation's containment.
More than five tons of silver carp have reportedly perished due to a viral infection at Lake Velence, according to experts.
István Dérer, the director-general of the Hungarian National Fishing Association (Mohosz), indicated that similar occurrences can happen in Hungarian waters, particularly in the spring.
It remains unclear whether the pathogen left any trace in the lake.
Dérer noted that there has been no contamination in the water; otherwise, other fish species would have also died.
Reports suggest that the death of more than five tons of fish is attributed to this viral infection, as indicated by the findings shared by Dérer.
The expert emphasized that viral attacks on fish are more common in spring, and information about the diseases causing fish deaths is limited, leaving uncertainty about the lasting impact of the pathogen in the lake.
Dérer reassured local residents that the fish die-off has concluded and reiterated that no harmful pollutants had entered the water, which would have affected other fish species as well.
He further stated that the disease poses no threat to human health, enabling a peaceful start to the high season at the lake.
Earlier reports have indicated the presence of the red swamp crayfish in both Lake Balaton and Lake Velence, which may inflict significant damage to other animal populations and structures, actively spreading crayfish plague and presenting a serious threat.
Between May 10 and 13, a total of 1,800 kilograms of fish carcasses were removed from the vicinity of the lake by staff and volunteers from the Hungarian National Fishing Association.
István Dérer, the director-general of the Hungarian National Fishing Association (Mohosz), indicated that similar occurrences can happen in Hungarian waters, particularly in the spring.
It remains unclear whether the pathogen left any trace in the lake.
Dérer noted that there has been no contamination in the water; otherwise, other fish species would have also died.
Reports suggest that the death of more than five tons of fish is attributed to this viral infection, as indicated by the findings shared by Dérer.
The expert emphasized that viral attacks on fish are more common in spring, and information about the diseases causing fish deaths is limited, leaving uncertainty about the lasting impact of the pathogen in the lake.
Dérer reassured local residents that the fish die-off has concluded and reiterated that no harmful pollutants had entered the water, which would have affected other fish species as well.
He further stated that the disease poses no threat to human health, enabling a peaceful start to the high season at the lake.
Earlier reports have indicated the presence of the red swamp crayfish in both Lake Balaton and Lake Velence, which may inflict significant damage to other animal populations and structures, actively spreading crayfish plague and presenting a serious threat.
Between May 10 and 13, a total of 1,800 kilograms of fish carcasses were removed from the vicinity of the lake by staff and volunteers from the Hungarian National Fishing Association.
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