MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wardens are watching this weekend to make sure anglers and boaters don't spread a gruesome fish disease.

The Department of Natural Resources has been working for years to contain viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, an exotic disease that causes a wide array of fish species to bleed to death.

Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says his wardens stepped up enforcement of prevention methods over the long July 4th weekend. No one should move live fish off the water and boaters should drain water and remove all plants, animals and mud from their craft and equipment before leaving.

State- and county-funded watercraft inspectors as well as trained volunteers will be at boat landings and shore fishing spots.