A carp-kill on Minnehaha Creek in June was caused by a disease called spring vremia of carp or SVC – a fish disease that primarily affects carp, though it can affect bluegills and largemouth bass. It does not affect humans. About 200 to 300 carp were killed June 15 along a stretch of Minnehaha Creek in Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis. The virus has been found in the United States on eight other occasions, including the Mississippi River's Pool 8 near LaCrosse, Wis., in 2007, the DNR says. "The discovery of this virus reinforces the importance of new laws designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and fish diseases by prohibiting the transfer of water between water bodies," said Paula Phelps, aquaculture and fish health consultant for the DNR. "Spring viremia of carp can be spread through waters, so it is very important not to move live fish or water between water bodies." She added that all unused bait should be disposed of in a trash can, not in the water or on the ground. DNR fisheries staff collected samples on June 16 for diagnostic testing at the DNR's pathology lab. The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and subsequently the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the SVC diagnosis. Since June 15, no additional fish kills have been reported to the DNR. Future monitoring is planned to determine the possible geographic range of SVC within Minnesota. Testing will occur when water temperatures, which are too warm now, are optimal for isolating any virus present. Those who discover a fish kill should call the state duty officer at 800-422-0798 and provide the name of the lake, river or stream; the date of discovery; the fish species affected; and the approximate number of dead or dying fish. The public should not collect samples from a fish kill.