Ohio river channel cats

Went out this morning for a few hours. Picked up a half doz cats. EVERY one of them appeared to have a series of red sores on their skin. The sores were on backs, mouths, sides and tails. Not sure what is causing this---appreciate feedback. Thanks

Herpes from invasive Ohio River whitefish

With how much rain this year, could be a lot of things. Heavy rains overflow sewage, industrial and other runoff of fertilizer from yards or whatever. Or could be the additional debris that is in the rivers now actually hitting the fish? I’d personally limit contact with river water now. You could fish 100 times to equal a 10 minute swim in a river, so I’d think you’d be fine fishing. The rivers are a lot cleaner than they used to be, but still pretty nasty.

Mountian Man
Herpes from invasive Ohio River whitefish

 
So you be Jus'Sayin'  don't be kissin' em before sendin' em, down the road?  Jus'Askin'

If u troll for walleyes on any inland lake, you'll find that channels will hit lures all year long.