Canada: More cases of the parasite causing deadly whirling disease in fish found in British Columbia waters

Published 2024년 12월 7일

Tridge summary

The British Columbia government has identified additional cases of whirling disease, a parasite harmful to young trout and salmon, in Kootenay Lake, following its first detection in B.C. at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park in September 2023. The province is investigating potential links between these cases. Kootenay Lake, a major freshwater fishery, is now under scrutiny as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency declared the Columbia River watershed infected in May 2024, limiting fish movements. While whirling disease does not affect humans, it can devastate fish populations, and there are no treatments available. Authorities are urging waterway users to implement preventive measures to curb its spread.

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Original content

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government says it has detected more cases of a parasite that Parks Canada describes as potentially devastating to young trout and salmon. The provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says three trout samples from the southern arm of Kootenay Lake have tested positive for the parasite that causes whirling disease. The first case of the parasite in B.C. waters was found in September 2023 in Yoho National Park's Emerald Lake, which prompted the closure of nearby waterways as officials looked to stop the spread. The province says it is not sure if the new cases in Kootenay Lake are linked to Yoho National Park, and biologists are testing more samples from this year in the ongoing investigation. The ministry says Kootenay Lake is one of the largest freshwater fisheries in the province and supports Gerrard rainbow trout and kokanee fisheries, which draw anglers from across the continent to B.C. In May, the Canadian Food Inspection ...

Source: Timescolonist