Original Source for this information- Province of BC- Information Bulletin: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024WLRS0043-001641
Three trout samples taken from the southern arm of Kootenay Lake have tested positive for the parasite responsible for whirling disease. This discovery comes as part of enhanced monitoring efforts initiated earlier this year by the Province of British Columbia, in partnership with First Nations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Parks Canada.
What is Whirling Disease?
Whirling disease is caused by the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, which affects juvenile fish by damaging their brain stem and spinal cord, leading to erratic swimming patterns, often referred to as “whirling.” While this disease primarily impacts juvenile salmonids like trout and salmon, it does not pose a health risk to humans or pets.
You can read more about it at our Whirling Disease website page here.
Where has it been detected?
The Columbia River Watershed has already been declared an ‘infected area’ in response earlier findings. It is important to note, that this declaration does not mean that all susceptible finfish populations within the watershed are infected. The declaration is part of broader efforts to track, monitor, and prevent the further spread of whirling disease across the region.
What is being done?
In response to these detections, the Province of B.C. is reinforcing preventative measures, including the enforcement of the “Pull the Plug” regulatory requirements as part of the province’s “Clean, Drain, Dry” program. These actions aim to limit the spread of the disease and protect the health of our aquatic ecosystems. The “Clean, Drain, Dry” program encourages the public to decontaminate all fishing equipment, boats, and gear after use, and to avoid moving fish or fish parts between waterbodies.
Learn more:
B.C Provincial Whirling Disease website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/fish/aquatic-species/aquatic-invasives/whirling-disease
B.C Provincial Whirling Disease brochure:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/fish-fish-habitat/whirling-disease/whirling_disease_background_and_guidance_brochure.pdf
Canadian Food Inspection Agency: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/aquatic-animals/diseases/reportable-diseases/whirling-disease/fact-sheet/eng/1336686597267/1336686806593
Canadian Food Inspection Agency factsheet: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/aquatic-animals/diseases/reportable-diseases/whirling-disease/eng/1336685663723/1336685826959
