Whirling disease hits Canada for first time
Posted Aug 25, 2016 11:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the first case of whirling disease in the country.
On August 23rd, the CFIA found the virus in fish from Johnson Lake in Banff National Park.
It is not harmful to humans but it can have a negative impact on fish populations.
The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite which effects trout and salmon and may cause the fish to swim in a whirling pattern.
Parks Canada has issued area closures, until further notice, to reduce the risk of it spreading.
Two shoreline beach areas, the marsh flowing into the lake and the outlets flowing out of the lake have been closed to the public.
Whirling Disease can spread to other bodies of water through, fish, fish parts, gear or equipment used for swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing.
Parks Canada and the CFIA will test outside the park to determine if there are any traces of the disease elsewhere.
Officials would like to remind everyone to dispose of any fish they catch properly and for all equipment such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes, and fins be cleaned before and after use.
