Fish Virus, Unfortunately, Spreads

Scientists made an unwelcome announcement yesterday -- the disease attacking freshwater fish popular with Great Lakes anglers has spread to New York's Finger Lakes. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, scientists have previously warned, could spread across the country, decimating native fish. New York had set new rules this year, requiring fishermen to avoid carrying fish, bait and other potential disease vectors from one fishing spot to another. The rules, however, appear to have failed to prevent the spread of the virus for the first time into a new watershed unconnected to the Great Lakes system, according to a story in the May 23 Newsday.