Name:	hounddog -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass here
Date:	10/23/2015 11:00:34 PM

I have been catching some small stripers that have reddened fins and in some cases dorsal fins that seem to be eaten away and bloody . These fish are possibly infected with mycobacteriosis . From the very limited reserch I have done so far this infection can be contracted by humans who handle these fish leading to symtoms of swelling and pain in the fingers and hands to start with  .it appears to be a sort of tissue wasting disease . If you catch a fish that has bloody , damaged fins do not eat it . The best thing to do would be to contact a fisheries biologist and possibly bring them the fish . I have only begun to look into this as I have noticed it in several of the small stripers I have caught lately . I feel like I am mostly talking to myself on this forum but i know a few people do look at it from time to time  . I f anyone has noticed what I am talking about I would appreciate  your input . I got a cut on my thumb from a gill plate of a small striper and I have filleted several of them so I am definitely concerned about this . 

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass here
Date:	10/23/2015 11:43:05 PM (updated 10/23/2015 11:45:44 PM)

Call this number at Auburn 334-844-4786. Their email is fish@auburn.edu

You could cut and paste the body of your post and email it. Keep us posted.

Name:	waterview -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass here
Date:	10/24/2015 7:41:35 PM

Thanks for the info!

Name:	Spot Remover -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass hereenvir
Date:	10/25/2015 7:51:45 AM

Probably nothing to do with this disease, but as long as we have people acting like little, uneducated  

biologists, putting non-native fish into Martin, we are open to bringing in carriers of diseases that could 

drasticly alter our fishing environment (ie. blueback herring). Hopefully the culprits that susposedly did 

this, will be caught and prosecuted.

Folks, we have to be vigilant on these releases and make sure the authorities are aware of who is doing 

this. 

Like I said, and a little off topic, this probably has nothing to do with mycobacteriosis, if we do have something

possiblyaffecting our fish.

But with our pseudo biologists, and all of the geese spreading cultures of various bacteria, there is no wonder 

that we may have problems in the future.

By gawd, leave this stocking to the professionals like Auburn.

Name:	Buteye -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass hereenvir
Date:	10/25/2015 9:29:53 PM

In reference to your comment about geese spreading cultures of various bacteria, is there any information about geese causing  any health concerns for those of us exposed to Lake Martin waters? I know at my location I have substantial amounts of geese "poop" along the shoreline that is washed straight into the lake. Almost every morning that I am at the lake I have to go down and shovel up the mess. I would like to hear more information on this subject.

Name:	Spot Remover -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass hereenvir
Date:	10/26/2015 8:27:06 AM

Absolutely geese carry bacteria that affects humans. Many beaches on freshwater lakes have been 

closed due to bacteria levels caused by their excrements. (fecal coloform and possibly e-coli would be 

prresent) As is well known, these agents in freshwater can cause many diseases relating to humans.

Effects on fish have little information and probably not nearly the studies as on humans. 

If you have neighbors that are feeding these disease carrying birds, I would stress that you have a 

very stern talk with them. The more these nasty things stay in a particular area, the more feces you 

have in the water there.

Name:	Fly Fishing Guy -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass here
Date:	10/26/2015 1:09:33 PM

This is concerning.  Thanks for the info.  Please pass along anything else you find out.

Name:	luv2fish -	Reply
Subject:	possible mycobacteriosis in striped bass here
Date:	11/13/2015 12:50:48 AM

If anyone here has a concern with possible contamination in your swimming area please feel free to contact me at freemms@auburn.edu. I am a certified water monitor and I work closely with the Lake Watch group on Lake Martin.