Confirmed case of whirling disease jeopardizes trout, whitefish in Banff National Park

Officials have re-introduced cutthroat trout to Rainbow Lake in Banff National Park, taking the first step to restoring the population of native fish to the lake after almost 100 years.

The province has deployed a team comprised of biologists, hydrologists and emergency personnel to Johnson Lake in Banff National Park following a laboratory confirmed case of a fish disease.

Whirling Disease is not harmful to humans but may jeopardize the populations of salmonids including:

The diesease also impacts salmon, a non-native species to Alberta.

Impacted fish may exhibit unusual behaviours and traits including swimming in a whirling pattern, the development of dark, possibly black, tails and skeletal deformities to the head or body.

Following Alberta Environment and Parks collection of water samples downstream of Banff National Park, Parks Canada implemented a closure of Johnson Lake on August 18 to prevent the potential spread of the disease. Johnson Lake is situated east of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Banff townsite, and south of Lake Minnewanka.

On August 23, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the presence of whirling disease.

The provincial government has halted the stocking of salmonids until fish farms and hatcheries undergo testing.

The disease may be transferred between bodies of water through contaminated swimming, boating or fishing gear and equipment. Whirling disease is prevalent in the western and northeastern sections of the United States.

To prevent the spread of whirling disease spores, the provincial government recommends:

If you encounter fish exhibiting symptoms of whirling disease, call 1-855-336-BOAT (2628)