From the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:

Due to the re-occurrence of a fish disease that has affected a section of the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County, the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is euthanizing a portion of its brook trout population that was scheduled to be stocked this spring, and is taking other steps to protect the overall integrity of the facility.

This action is consistent with the Division's Fish Health Policy.

The plan states that fish found positive of pathogens, such as furunculosis, will not be stocked in state waters.

Despite the loss of the large number of brook trout, the Division still will release healthy trout in state waters in time for the Opening Day of Trout Season, April 5, at 8 a.m.

None of the trout being stocked this spring have the disease.

Some may have been exposed to the bacterium that causes furunculosis but were effectively treated. Others that will be stocked have tested negative.

For the complete DEP news release visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2014/14_0018.htm.

For information on the spring trout stocking program please visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring14.htm.

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