Shad with Mouth Infection

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Gunpowder

I was fly fishing on the Gunpowder on 5/2 and saw several shad that appeared to have some sort of mouth fungus/rot. The fish were so slow and disoriented I could have picked them up with my hand. Is this a common occurrence or a disease that can spread to other fish? I debated tossing them on shore to prevent other fish from being infected and also to put them out of their misery. Any information on this would be great.

DNR Response: Fish sometimes get an injury that causes them to be susceptible to localized infections. The slime layer on fish is their first defense against bacteria and fungus that might be in the water they are swimming in; any disturbance to this layer of slime can put the fish at risk of a surface infection of the skin or fins.