Whirling Disease

Wildlife and Fisheries

Paul Dunay

Background● Caused by microscopic parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis

● Affects trout and salmon; not humans or warm water fish

● Primarily affects juveniles

● Characterized by whirling motions during swimming

● Introduced to U.S in 1950 from Europe; Found in 25 states

Life Cycle● Two-host life cycle

● Infected fish dies; spores are released

● Ingested by the tubifex worm

● Infects susceptible fish by attaching to their bodies, or when fish eat infected worms.

Symptoms

● Blackened tail● Spinal deformities● Uncontrollable whirling

Prevention

● Wash off mud from boats, vehicles, equipment

● Hatcheries use ultraviolet rays to kill parasites

● Do not dispose fish entrails in any body of water

● Do not displace fish in other bodies of water

Works Cited

Colorado Division of Wildlife

Whirling Disease Initiative

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ6sTX8YKPg