Whirling Disease
From Glen Canyon Dam AMP
- 121024_TWG_Whirling Disease AZ Game and Fish
- State of Colorado Parks and Wildlife- Whirling Disease and Colorado's Trout
CLIFF NOTE VERSION
- Whirling disease is a parasitic condition affecting fish, primarily rainbow trout.
- Young fish are at greatest risk.
- First observed in the United States around 1958.
- Larger infected fish generally don't die but are carriers of the disease.
- Warm-water fish such as bass, walleye and catfish are not affected.
- Currently, No practical cure to treat wild trout infected with the disease.
- Once the disease parasite is established in the wild, it can persist indefinitely
- SIGNS INCLUDE: Whirling behavior- Blackened tail -Skeletal deformities
- WD has been identified in 25 states (2009)
- Trout species only- rainbow trout: highly susceptible, brown trout: can carry parasite, but generally do not show clinical signs
- Trout become resistant after 4-8 months
- Not harmful to humans, trout in WD infected waters are ok to eat
- Spore are very resistant
