The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is raising awareness about the recent detection of whirling disease in Kootenay Lake. Three trout samples from the lake’s southern arm have tested positive for Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite responsible for the disease, which affects juvenile fish and can severely impact freshwater ecosystems.
The disease, first identified in B.C. in Yoho National Park in 2023, targets the brain stem and spinal cord of juvenile fish, resulting in an erratic “whirling” swimming motion and often leading to mortality. The presence of the parasite in Kootenay Lake, one of B.C.’s premier freshwater fisheries, poses potential risks to the iconic Gerrard rainbow trout and kokanee populations, both of which attract anglers from across North America.
Prevention Is Key
Whirling disease spreads through spores that cling to equipment used for activities like swimming, paddling, boating, water pumping, and fishing, as well as through pets or infected fish (alive or dead) and their parts.
Prevention is the only effective response to whirling disease as there is no treatment for infected fish. CKISS strongly urges individuals to follow updated guidelines to stop the spread of this and other aquatic invasive species:
1. Handle Fish Carefully: Never move fish or fish parts between waterbodies. Use fish-cleaning stations or dispose of fish waste in garbage rather than natural waterways.
2. Clean, Drain, Dry: Always clean, drain, and dry boats, gear, and equipment before moving them between waterbodies.
• Clean all mud, sand, and plant material.
• Drain water from all compartments, including bilges, livewells, and coolers.
• Dry items thoroughly, ideally for at least 24 hours.
3. Follow Decontamination Protocols: For those using watercraft or equipment in high-risk areas, like the Columbia River Watershed, decontamination processes are recommended. This includes submerging or treating equipment with appropriate disinfectants for a minimum of 10 minutes. More details on whirling disease decontamination protocol can be found in this document.
B.C. has also introduced legal requirements, such as the “Pull the Plug” regulation, making it mandatory to remove drain plugs from watercraft during transport.
Collective Action Needed
These findings stem from enhanced monitoring efforts conducted in 2024 by the Province of British Columbia in collaboration with First Nations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Parks Canada. CKISS is calling on local communities, anglers, and water users to remain vigilant and report any unusual fish behavior or suspected cases of whirling disease.
How to Report
• B.C. e-mail – WhirlingDisease@gov.bc.ca
• Contact a Conservation Officer – RAPP line 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)
By adopting these preventive measures and reporting suspicious cases, we can protect Kootenay Lake and other freshwater ecosystems from the devastating effects of whirling disease.
Learn More
For more details on whirling disease and decontamination protocols, visit the Provincial Government’s aquatic invasive species pages:
• Whirling Disease Information
• Prevention Brochure
• Decontamination Protocols
CKISS recognizes Columbia Basin Trust, the Government of BC and Fortis BC’s support of the Clean Drain Dry education program.