Transcript
Background● Caused by microscopic parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis
● Affects trout and salmon; not humans or warm water fish
● Primarily affects juveniles
● Characterized by whirling motions during swimming
● Introduced to U.S in 1950 from Europe; Found in 25 states
Life Cycle● Two-host life cycle
● Infected fish dies; spores are released
● Ingested by the tubifex worm
● Infects susceptible fish by attaching to their bodies, or when fish eat infected worms.
Prevention
● Wash off mud from boats, vehicles, equipment
● Hatcheries use ultraviolet rays to kill parasites
● Do not dispose fish entrails in any body of water
● Do not displace fish in other bodies of water