The detection of whirling disease in Kootenay Lake southeast of Revelstoke prompted a reminder for area residents to be vigilant and prevent the spread even now when snow is blanketing the region. 

In a Dec. 17 media release, the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) and Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) announced new evidence of whirling disease, which can cause high death rates in salmonid fish 鈥� trout, salmon and whitefish. On Dec. 6, the province issued a bulletin stating that three trout samples from Kootenay Lake tested positive for the parasite that causes the disease in juvenile fish. 

Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that uses young fish and aquatic worms as hosts. Damage to their brain stem and spinal cord produce the erratic 'whirling' swimming pattern of the infected fish, though the parasite carries no health risk to people or pets.

The media release stressed that prevention is critical, and stopping the spread which is occurs via spores that cling to boats and watercraft, fishing gear, pumps, pets and infected fish (dead or alive).

"Preventing the movement of whirling disease is key, because there is no treatment," the release explains. "SWC and CSIS strongly urge all water users and recreationists to follow best practices to prevent the spread of this and other aquatic invasive species." 

For preventative measures, the organizations urge people to clean, drain, dry all watercraft and equipment; handle fish carefully, stop at watercraft inspection sites; and follow decontamination protocols. In addition to those practices, residents are asked to report sightings of the disease to  or by calling conservation via the RAPP line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).