Whirling Disease

Research Paper # 10356

Biology > Ecology
Biology > Zoology

Whirling Disease

A thorough overview of whirling disease, an ailment that affects young trout and is usually fatal.

4,637 words () | 39 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper is an in-depth study of whirling disease. It describes everything from game management, to current research and the disease cycle. The paper illustrates how the disease has spread and the current fish populations affected in the U.S. and world wide. The paper examines the fish species and their treatment options. Finally, it includes the current statements from the U.S. Fish and Game officials from three different states.

From the Paper:

"Prior to 1990, the Madison River in southwest Montana was a prime example of a blue ribbon trout stream, famous for its wild rainbow trout. Many people considered the river to be the "cathedral of fly-fishing," as it summons anglers from around the world. The following years showed a dramatic decrease in the rainbow trout population when it plummeted from 3500 fish per mile to 300 per mile in 1994 (Potera, 1997). On one 55-mile stretch of the Madison, an estimated half-million fish have been killed since 1990; including 90% of the fingerling rainbows and the catch rate of adult rainbows has dropped 75% (Woodbury, 1996). Some fly-fishermen were spending the entire day on the river and reportedly getting "skunked" (not catching any fish). The residents of Montana became worried because the income generated from trout fishing brings $250 million per year into the state (Potera, 1997)."