Wisconsin fish found to carry new viruses, form of Coronavirus

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - UW-Madison researchers found several new viruses in five species of Wisconsin sport fish, one being a type of Coronavirus.

This type of Coronavirus found is usually associated with birds and does not pose a threat to human health, according to researchers. They said they found the virus in healthy walleyes in Wisconsin lakes.

Tony Goldberg, a professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, said anyone fishing should not be worried.

“None of these viruses can infect people. It’s not a risk for people to catch, handle and eat fish because of these viruses,” Goldberg said. “There’s no evidence that these viruses are causing any problems. They may just be part of the natural ecosystem of these fish.”

Seventeen of the 19 viruses were new to science, according to the release. Among them was the first fish-associated coronavirus from the Gammacrononavirus genus, which differs from the type of virus that causes COVID. It was present in 11 out of 15 walleyes sampled by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The findings will help fishery managers when they routinely test the health of fish about to be released into state lakes from hatcheries or for fish that are being shipped out of state.

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