7-19 SS IHNV Trout

 Wallowa Hatchery Rainbow Trout stung by IHNV, 42,000 fish euthanized

Managers at Wallowa Hatchery recently euthanized 42,000 legal-sized rainbow trout, after a number of fish died from the Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus.

IHNV is a naturally occurring virus found throughout the Snake River Basin.  Some fish carry it for their entire life without any health problems. However, it can sometimes cause significant mortality when virus numbers in the water supply are high or fish are stressed, such as during the muddy, flooding river conditions which occurred this spring.

According to hatchery manager Ron Harrod, the source of the virus was most likely adult steelhead present in the Wallowa River above the hatchery. The Wallowa River is one of two water sources used by the hatchery.

Hatchery Manager Ron Harrod: “The impact of the loss on fishing opportunities should be minimal.We will continue stocking fish according to schedule using trout from other hatcheries throughout the state.”

IHNV is not harmful to humans. It is safe to handle or eat hatchery fish that already have been stocked.