US: Whirling disease discovered in New Mexico hatchery

Published May 4, 2023

Tridge summary

An outbreak of whirling disease, caused by the parasite myxobolus cerabralis, has been discovered at the Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, leading to the euthanization of around 70,000 fish and the loss of 225,000 fish across state hatcheries. This is the first time the parasite has been found in any New Mexico hatchery since 2007. The disease affects the cartilage tissue of fish and can be spread by adult carriers. The source of the contamination is under investigation, with the Pecos River being a likely cause.
Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

(Photo: Rock Lake Fish Hatchery, New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish) An outbreak of whirling disease was discovered among the fish stock during an annual fish health testing at Rock Lake State Fish Hatchery in Santa Rosa, N. Mex., USA. About 70,000 fish are being euthanized at the hatchery which has caused concern for stock levels around the state, according to a report in the National Fisherman. Rock Lake hatchery produces 300,000 trout per year, serving as the state’s primary catchable trout-rearing station. The hatchery also raises bass, walleye, catfish, bluegills and tiger muskies. Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite called myxobolus cerabralis and can affect both trout and salmon. The parasite attacks the cartilage tissue of a fish’s head and spine. Infected fish are edible and pose no health hazard to humans. “A changeling microspore that alters form in each host, the disease can turn young trout into horror show aliens with blackened tails, bulging eyes and ...

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