Ability to Respond Total:16 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
The impact on infected fish has been greatest in Colorado and Montana and least in California, Michigan, and New York
2
Spread Amount
Proven to be able to survive in most of the climates native to California, yet it has not promulgated in the warmer climates at the same rate that it has in colder ones.
3
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Causes significant disruption to local salmonid communities.
3
Agricultural
Does not seem to hurt agricultural output, unless of course if aquaculture of salmonid species is in question, and then the impact score could be a "3-4"
3
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
This taxon can decimate the local salmonid population and consequently decimate the recreational and commercial fishing of these species. There is also Native American impact.
4
Health
The parasite is not transmissible to humans.
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
15
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
It is fairly easy to detect whirling disease as it causes noticeable deformities to a fish's spine, causing them to swim in inconsistent, sporadic, circular paths
4
Control
Survives passage through the digestive system of piscivorous fish and birds, and tolerate freezing and thawing, it is not possible to eradicate the disease. However, there are a number of measures that can control its spread.
1
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
At least 1 occasion where a fish infected with whirling disease has entered California from another state. It seems that California does a good job at monitoring trout plantings, which is the most common cause of the spread of the disease
4
Control
As of 2005, there was a suspension of fish stocking until whirling disease was better understood. It seems that California takes control measures very seriously.
4
Outreach
Some outreach is available, but it seems to be directed more at researchers and those taking part in fish stocking activities than it does towards the public.
