Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help diseased bass

I have caught three bass out of my three acre pond lately that have had several "wart-like" bumps about the size of a pea. Any thoughts on what this might be?

Walleye occassionally get growths similar to this and it is associated with a virus similar to a wart in humans. It does not contaminate the meat. In walleye it is called walleye epidermal hyperplasia -walleye epidermal tumor.

LMbass and bgill have been known to develop Lymphocystis disease that is virus related. 81 species of fish have been reported to get this disease. The disease occurs in North America, parts of South America, much of Europe and in some of the northern seas. Walleye, perch, and all sunfishes which includes LMB & SMB are highly susceptible. The virus spreads by sheding or escaping viruses or lymphocystis cells from damaged epithelial cells of infected fishes. Minor injuries to skin and fins are ports of entry for new host fish. The "warts" occur on parts of the skin that are most vulnerable to abrasion and injuries.
I would remove these fish with the "wart-like" bumps to reduce the amount of contamination that other fish are exposed to.