FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The cause of a widespread fish kill has not yet been determined by Auburn University researchers, according to Kevin Anson, a biologist with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division.

“The (initial) test results were inconclusive,” he said Friday. “They will continue to incubate culture material and have an answer sometime next week. It’s unusual, but it’s happened before.”

Rotting fish have been accumulating on Eastern Shore beaches from Village Point Park in Daphne to Bon Secour over the last couple of weeks, and scientists are puzzled. So far, more than 1,000 hardhead catfish and a handful of other species have washed up dead.

Anson said one of the latest reports involves a spotted sea trout caught by a local man. The fish exhibits spots of orange discoloration, and will be shipped to Auburn for testing.

In addition to the catfish, a few Atlantic croaker, Southern flounder, redfish and sheepshead have been found dead or dying as well. Most show signs of hemorrhaging along with sores on the surface of the skin, while some have red, bloody fins or gills, Anson said. Officials advise the public to avoid eating the fish.

The Auburn University Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures is testing the fish and looking for toxins, viruses and bacteria. Being scrutinized as a possible cause is a virus that likely caused a catfish kill spanning the entire Gulf of Mexico more than 10 years ago.

Anson said his department is keeping both the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management “in the loop.”

It’s too soon to know whether the fish deaths are the early stages, or might continue for several more weeks or longer.

“There are end points, and they are cyclical,” Anson said. “Eventually they do run their course.”

To report new fish kills, call (251) 968-7576.