Hi...I received this letter as a member from the Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce. I spoke to Charlie Cassons of the City and obtained permission to re-print. Lori
Visitors and residents enjoying our region over the coming weeks will become aware of the presence of an unusual number of dead fish in the water and along the shoreline of Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. The fish are native carp that have perished from an epidemic of the Koi Herpes Virus, or KHV. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, KHV affects only carp, goldfish and koi, and is not a threat to other species, including humans.
Fortunately, Lake Havasu visitors have nothing to fear from KHV. Unfortunately, however, the unsightly presence of dead fish and the odor associated with them is an unavoidable consequence of this natural phenomenon.
Lake Havasu City is actively working with community volunteers to help keep popular beaches and coves clean and clear of the dead fish. Given the large number of carp in Lake Havasu, and the limited resources available to keep up with the die-off, however, it is likely visitors will find dead fish in many areas of the lake and river. Parents of curious children and pet owners should take special care to keep from coming into contact with remains that may have washed ashore.
Experts tell us the water quality of Lake Havasu is excellent and swimmers have nothing to fear from KHV or its victims. The good news is we are told the effects of this phenomenon will decline over the coming weeks and eventually become just a stinky memory.
For more information, or to volunteer to assist in the cleanup, please contact:
Charlie Cassens, Lake Havasu City, 928-854-4212
For detailed information about KHV, please contact:
Zen Mocarski, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 928-692-7700 ext. 2301
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