LANSING, MI (AP) -- Michigan wildlife officials say the state is resuming large-scale hatching of new walleye as it forges ahead with an effective treatment against a fish virus.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment said it plans to take about 50 million eggs this spring for pond-rearing and direct stocking. That's an eight-fold increase over the last two years.
Michigan has been cutting back most of its walleye hatching since 2006 as a defense against the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, into inland waters.
After several years of testing, department officials say they have found a technique to disinfect walleye eggs and prevent the spread of the virus.
The state expects it will take two years to return to full walleye production.
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