07-28-2005, 10:54 AM
Whirling disease found in the Uinta Mountains
Some claim that shocking news comes in groups and that seems to be the case for fisheries biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Ashley National Forest. Earlier this year, news was released that Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite that causes whirling disease, was discovered in one of the State's fish hatcheries. Preliminary reports also indicated it was discovered in streams on the northeastern slope of the Uinta Mountains.
Fish samples from two streams, Burnt Fork and Carter Creek, tested positive for the whirling disease parasite.
"Last year, we received notice about whirling disease in Burnt Fork just inside the Utah/Wyoming border," said Chad Crosby, regional aquatics manager. "We took a larger sample and have verified that this is the case.
"At the end of last summer, a preliminary sample of fish were taken from Carter Creek below Browne Lake," Crosby said. "When the positive report came back, we couldn't take samples from the Browne Lake location due to snow and ice, so we tested fish from the stream below Highway 44. Unfortunately about half of our samples came back positive. It's clear, Carter Creek is contaminated with the whirling disease parasite.
"This summer, we plan to do an extensive survey in the Burnt Fork, Carter Creek and Sheep Creek drainages and sub-drainages in order to determine the spread of this disease," said Kirk Mullins, fisheries biologist. "It is not clear what impact the parasite may have on the fisheries in these streams. Both Flaming Gorge and the Green River below the reservoir are sustained by stocking of larger hatchery fish, which are beyond the vulnerable stage of infection. In general, fishing is expected to remain good throughout the area."
Whirling disease is a condition affecting trout and salmon caused by a microscopic parasite known as Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite attacks the cartilage tissue of a fish's head and spine. If sufficiently infected, young fish may develop symptoms such as whirling behavior, a black tail or even death. If they survive, fish may develop head deformities or twisted spines. The parasite does not infect human beings.
The parasite goes through a complex life cycle that includes tiny aquatic worms, which are found in most waters. These host worms, which become infected, release a fragile stage of the parasite that must infect a trout within a few days or perish. Infected trout produce very persistent spores, which can survive in moist environments for years. When an infected fish dies and decomposes, the spores are released into the environment. These spores can survive passage through a fish-eating predator's digestive tract, or could be transferred on muddy boots or other equipment to different waters.
Anglers and the transfer of fish from infected waters or hatcheries are documented agents of the spread of Whirling Disease. To prevent the spread of disease, anglers should clean and disinfect their boots, waders, live tanks, boats, trailers, float tubes, fins and anything else that may have come in contact with the mud or water. Biologists recommend a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach (bleach and water) and thoroughly drying equipment in the sun, if possible, before reuse. Anglers are encouraged to quit using felt-soled waders, which are very difficult to clean. Effective, alternative wading boots are now available from many manufacturers.
Also, the transport of live fish between bodies of water and taking fish from one water and cleaning them in another can transfer whirling disease from one fishery to another. This is just one reason why it is illegal to transport live fish without the proper permits. When cleaning fish, DON'T dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water. Fish parts should be disposed of in the garbage, by deep burying or by total burning.
Is whirling disease the end of fishing for Utah? Absolutely not! While whirling disease is difficult news for Utah biologists and anglers, other states have had to deal with the infection for a lot longer time. History has shown the disease may create some major changes in the fisheries and management styles we have today. But, managers can adjust somewhat by using different hatcheries, stocking rates, stocking different fish sizes and possibly different fish.
Fishing should be great in Utah and anglers are encouraged to enjoy this favorite past-time. However, the DWR asks anglers to be sensitive to the spread of whirling disease and to understand they have played a major role in its continued spread. By taking care of their equipment and taking appropriate precautions, anglers can slow the spread of this disease while still enjoying their favorite fishing holes this summer.
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Some claim that shocking news comes in groups and that seems to be the case for fisheries biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Ashley National Forest. Earlier this year, news was released that Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite that causes whirling disease, was discovered in one of the State's fish hatcheries. Preliminary reports also indicated it was discovered in streams on the northeastern slope of the Uinta Mountains.
Fish samples from two streams, Burnt Fork and Carter Creek, tested positive for the whirling disease parasite.
"Last year, we received notice about whirling disease in Burnt Fork just inside the Utah/Wyoming border," said Chad Crosby, regional aquatics manager. "We took a larger sample and have verified that this is the case.
"At the end of last summer, a preliminary sample of fish were taken from Carter Creek below Browne Lake," Crosby said. "When the positive report came back, we couldn't take samples from the Browne Lake location due to snow and ice, so we tested fish from the stream below Highway 44. Unfortunately about half of our samples came back positive. It's clear, Carter Creek is contaminated with the whirling disease parasite.
"This summer, we plan to do an extensive survey in the Burnt Fork, Carter Creek and Sheep Creek drainages and sub-drainages in order to determine the spread of this disease," said Kirk Mullins, fisheries biologist. "It is not clear what impact the parasite may have on the fisheries in these streams. Both Flaming Gorge and the Green River below the reservoir are sustained by stocking of larger hatchery fish, which are beyond the vulnerable stage of infection. In general, fishing is expected to remain good throughout the area."
Whirling disease is a condition affecting trout and salmon caused by a microscopic parasite known as Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite attacks the cartilage tissue of a fish's head and spine. If sufficiently infected, young fish may develop symptoms such as whirling behavior, a black tail or even death. If they survive, fish may develop head deformities or twisted spines. The parasite does not infect human beings.
The parasite goes through a complex life cycle that includes tiny aquatic worms, which are found in most waters. These host worms, which become infected, release a fragile stage of the parasite that must infect a trout within a few days or perish. Infected trout produce very persistent spores, which can survive in moist environments for years. When an infected fish dies and decomposes, the spores are released into the environment. These spores can survive passage through a fish-eating predator's digestive tract, or could be transferred on muddy boots or other equipment to different waters.
Anglers and the transfer of fish from infected waters or hatcheries are documented agents of the spread of Whirling Disease. To prevent the spread of disease, anglers should clean and disinfect their boots, waders, live tanks, boats, trailers, float tubes, fins and anything else that may have come in contact with the mud or water. Biologists recommend a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach (bleach and water) and thoroughly drying equipment in the sun, if possible, before reuse. Anglers are encouraged to quit using felt-soled waders, which are very difficult to clean. Effective, alternative wading boots are now available from many manufacturers.
Also, the transport of live fish between bodies of water and taking fish from one water and cleaning them in another can transfer whirling disease from one fishery to another. This is just one reason why it is illegal to transport live fish without the proper permits. When cleaning fish, DON'T dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water. Fish parts should be disposed of in the garbage, by deep burying or by total burning.
Is whirling disease the end of fishing for Utah? Absolutely not! While whirling disease is difficult news for Utah biologists and anglers, other states have had to deal with the infection for a lot longer time. History has shown the disease may create some major changes in the fisheries and management styles we have today. But, managers can adjust somewhat by using different hatcheries, stocking rates, stocking different fish sizes and possibly different fish.
Fishing should be great in Utah and anglers are encouraged to enjoy this favorite past-time. However, the DWR asks anglers to be sensitive to the spread of whirling disease and to understand they have played a major role in its continued spread. By taking care of their equipment and taking appropriate precautions, anglers can slow the spread of this disease while still enjoying their favorite fishing holes this summer.
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