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July 10, 2000 For more information, contact Roy Miller Division of Fish and Wildlife, (302) 739-3441, Maria Taylor DNREC, (302) 739-4506, or Allison Taylor Levine Division of Public Health (302) 739-2005. Dead Fish found in Pepper CreekDead juvenile menhaden numbering in the tens of thousands were found in Pepper Creek this afternoon. A significant number of the fish had lesions and menhaden are known to be susceptible to the Pfiesteria organism. DNREC field workers and emergency team immediately responded to the incident. Water samples have been taken today and have been sent to laboratories for analysis. Results are expected within 48 hours. DNREC continues to aggressively monitor the situation and is taking regular samples of the waters. DNREC is working with the Division of Public Health through the state’s Pfiesteria Response Team to keep the public advised of any significant findings. Since the cause of the fish kill is still unknown, state environmental and public health officials are issuing an Advisory urging the public to avoid all direct contact with water in Pepper Creek. The area of the Creek covered by the advisory stretches from Buoy 12 to Buoy 2 near Dagsboro to its mouth near Rock and Aydelotte Points where it flows into the Indian River Bay. Until further notice, the public is urged to avoid all contact with water in the area of Pepper Creek and to refrain from any activities such as swimming or water skiing in the areas covered by the advisory. According to Roy Miller, fisheries program manager with DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, “Although there is nothing yet to confirm that the presence of toxic Pfiesteria, we are concerned because this is the first time Delaware has found lesions associated with a fish kill and we want to take every precaution to ensure the public's health.” The Division of Public Health recommends that if you have had direct water contact in the Pepper Creek area within the past 48 hours, please call your personal physician and Sandy Norris at the Georgetown State Service Center at (302) 856-5241. To date there have been no confirmed cases of pfisteria-related illnesses in Delaware. State health officials recommend that people do not eat fish that have sores or ulcers, and they should not eat fish that were dead or dying when collected. The Division of Public Health will continue its surveillance activities by working with local physicians and hospitals. DNREC, the Division of Public Health and the Department of Agriculture formed the Pfisteria Response Team in 1998 following concerns about the presence of Pfiesteria in Delaware waters. The Team has developed a Pfiesteria Emergency Response Management Plan to ensure a high order of preparedness, timely response and decision making. -30- Document Number 40-01/00/07/10 |
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