Whirling disease researchers find hope in Montana reservoir

Rainbow trout in a Madison County reservoir have given a glimmer of hope to researchers trying to understand and stem whirling disease in Montana, says the state’s whirling disease coordinator.

"They are not absolutely resistant, but they are significantly resistant," Richard Vincent said about rainbow trout that swim in the Willow Creek Reservoir three miles east of Harrison. Vincent works for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks at Montana State University.

Researchers haven’t found a solution for whirling disease in Montana, but the trout warrant continued study, Vincent said. The encouraging strain of fish came from Wyoming between 1977 and 1981. Before that, the fish came to Wyoming from California.

Some of the rainbow trout in the Willow Creek Reservoir have been sent to scientists in Utah, California and Colorado, Vincent said. One research project on the fish received funding in the latest round of grants announced by the Montana Water Center, the National Partnership for the Management of Wild and Native Coldwater Fisheries, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ten research teams together received $644,000 for whirling disease studies in 2005-06. The Montana Water Center is housed at MSU.

By Evelyn Boswell

Full Story: http://www.montana.edu/commserv/csnews/nwview.php?article=2443