A new fish virus has been found in Lake Simcoe will affect commercial bait operators in the area the first of the year, according to the Packet & Times.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is working to address the fish virus, which has been found in several species of fish in Lake Simcoe.
The virus can weaken and kill fish so the MNR is establishing a new management zone around the lake and watershed.
Effective Jan. 1, commercial bait operators will be prohibited from moving commercial baitfish into or out of the new Lake Simcoe management zone.
According to the MNR, the range of the virus is spreading. It was first detected in Lake Ontario in 2005 and has been monitored in Ontario and Quebec waters since 2007.
The fish carrying the virus pose no risk to human health. As with any dead or dying fish, pets should not be allowed to eat or come in contact with them.
