The Michigan DNR informs anglers about new viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) regulations that went into effect Jan. 9.

The changes result in simpler regulations for anglers who purchase and use minnows as bait by removing the retail sales receipt provision. Anglers will now no longer be required to possess their bait receipts while fishing and retail minnow sellers will no longer be required to provide anglers with detailed receipts for minnows.

VHS is a serious viral disease that has spread into the Great Lakes region and caused large-scale fish kills. VHS was first identified in the Great Lakes in 2005 and has caused mortalities in a number of fish species in the Michigan waters of Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit rivers, Lake Erie, and inland in Budd Lake near Harrison and Base Line Lake near Pinckney. It has also been found in Lake Michigan waters of Wisconsin. The DNR actively monitors for VHS throughout the year and as other areas are identified positive for VHS, they will be listed online at www.michigan.gov/vhs.

Receipts were previously used for educational and enforcement purposes to direct anglers to places where their bait could be used based on purchase location and whether or not it was certified as disease-free.

VHS regulations have been in effect for several years and, after careful review, the DNR determined the retail receipt provision could be removed because anglers are more knowledgeable about the risks associated with baitfish use.

There is no known treatment for VHS, so preventing the spread of disease is the best way to protect Michigan's fish. Anglers can help prevent the spread of VHS by keeping the following tips in mind when using baitfish:

• Learn to identify the species of baitfish you are using. Species known to be susceptible to VHS and typically used as live bait include emerald shiners, spottail shiners and white suckers. Other species occasionally used as bait that are susceptible to VHS include bluntnose minnows, trout perch, gizzard shad, shorthead redhorse and silver redhorse.
• Request that your local bait store sell certified disease-free baitfish.
• Purchase and use only certified disease-free baitfish.
• Never move live fish between bodies of water.
• Disinfect your bait bucket, livewells and bilges between uses with a bleach solution (half-cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water) or allow equipment to dry thoroughly before using in a different body of water.

Protecting Michigan's expansive water resources is everyone's responsibility for now and future generations. To help reduce the spread of VHS and of invasive species, properly dispose of all bait containers including worms and soil, crayfish and minnows in a trash receptacle. Plus, all boaters need to drain their livewell(s) and bilge of their boat upon leaving the waterbody because it's the law.