Whirling Disease in our Waters

Whirling disease is now in our waters. Attention should always be paid to preventing the spread of invasives, but now we need to be extra vigilant to protect our uninfected waters. Whirling disease can be spread by anything going in and out of infected waters, a dog going for a swim, a stand-up paddle board, birds, wildlife, boats, and anglers.

How do we prevent further spread?
Clean, drain, and dry. For example - On a road trip with your dog in the summer and stopping for a cool-down swim? Make sure your dog is free of any mud and dirt and bathe your dog before it enters another waterbody.

Anglers have been targeted as the spreaders of whirling disease, but this is simply not true. Responsible anglers have been following protocols to prevent the spread for years. We need all water users to share the same diligence as anglers to protect our waters. Clean, drain, and dry anything that goes into a waterbody, the future of healthy waters is in all of our hands, not just anglers.

Photo credit: @abinvasives

For more info, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/fish/aquatic-species/aquatic-invasives/whirling-disease