May 06 2008
World Without Whirling
For all you conservationists out there, you will be pleased to be informed that the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDW), in conjunction with private research groups has found a breed of trout that are seemingly immune to Whirling Disease.
Whirling Disease is a common, parasite induced, disease that typically affects salmonid fishes. Whirling Disease is the result of a microscopic parasite that attaches itself to the spinal cartilage of juvenile fish, causing them to swim in circles. Due to their limited motion, these fish typically die in a short period of time.
Due to Whirling Disease, the wild trout populations in the Midwest have seen significant lows; directly affecting the fishing industries along the rocky mountain areas.
Although this problem grew to extraordinary extents, the CDW has found a way to breed fish so they can become immune to Whirling. Research facilities have bred common hatchery trout, such as domestic rainbows and brook trout, with Hofer Rainbow Trout, found native to the streams of Germany.
The offspring of these trout showed dramatic improvement, and were reported to be clinically healthy. Hundred of these fish were recently released in to the wild, and are being tracked for future research to see how well these new trout adapt to the wild. Good news for the trout, and great news for Midwest fly fishermen.
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