Virus Slows HQ Services

Complications of the Nimda computer virus slowed some services normally provided by Fish and Game headquarters last week. The virus, which has interrupted computer networks worldwide, hit Fish and Game computers Tuesday. Despite night-and-day efforts by computer specialists, the sophisticated virus had not been completely eradicated at the Boise headquarters by late Friday. Point of Sale Machine (POSM) sales of licenses, permits and tags were not affected. The license sales machines are on a completely different and separate system. Internet sales of licenses and tags were not affected Accounting systems and other services that affect the operations of the department were slowed or halted by the problem. E-mail service including response to questions from the public, normally dozens of messages each day, has been halted since the virus attacked.