The cause of death of recently stocked catfish at 5 of 19 urban lakes looks like it is just a case of fish stress and common bacteria. “There is no need to worry,†said Dr. Andy Goodwin, Fish Pathologist Associate Director at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He explained that catfish throughout Arkansas have experienced late winter/early spring stress due to a highly unusual sequence of major cold and wet storms earlier this year. Periods of cooling and warming cycles favor certain common bacteria that can infect weakened catfish. Additionally, until water temperatures reach the mid 50’s, fish farmers do not feed their catfish—this did not occur until mid April, a delay of 4-6 weeks over normal.
Original post by FWC Fishing and Boating News
Read the full article. Click on the "original post by" author/publication link.
