State

authorities are investigating a fish kill in Lake Kedron

in the northern end of Peachtree City.

At least 1,000 gizzard

shad, ranging from six to 18 inches in length, have been

found dead, according to a written statement by the

Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of

Natural Resources. But WRD biologists say there is little

need for concern as the kill seems to be the result of

natural causes.

"This is not a cause

for alarm," says WRD fisheries biologist Steve

Schleiger. "The division has seen similar fish kills

in other area lakes and ponds over the past several weeks

and this kill appears to be natural processes at

work."

Biologists have determined

that disease aggravated by spawning stress caused the

Lake Kedron fish kill, the state agency reported, adding

that parasites and disease-causing organisms are always

present in natural systems.

At certain times of the

year, particularly in the spring when fish are undergoing

many stressful physiological changes associated with

spawning, these disease agents cause weakened fish to

become sick and cause some fish to die. But the vast

majority of the fish in the lake do not become infected,

or are able to overcome the disease.

"Spring fish kills are

actually quite common on many bodies of water and range

in severity from year to year," says Schleiger.

"Fish populations fluctuate, and when a particular

species builds up to a high enough level, natural agents

generally come into play and thin the population

out."

This kill may affect other

fish in Lake Kedron and fish in Lake Peachtree may

experience a similar type of situation. Biologists have

tested the water quality on both lakes and both appear to

be normal.

Anglers on both lakes are

encouraged to check their catches carefully for disease

or parasitism and to report any sightings of dead or

dying fish by calling the WRD. Most of the fish found in

Lake Kedron are healthy and studies have shown that very

few fish diseases can be transferred to humans, according

to reports. Fish that have been thoroughly cooked, smoked

or frozen are safe to consume.

For information on the fish

kill on Lake Kedron, phone 912-825-6151. To report a fish

kill or pollution problem, phone 1-800-241-4113 at any

time.