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Noticed on one of those other, inferior discussion boards that a webmaster in Alberta has decided to put a "whirling disease warning" on his webpage. Basically, it's a plea to visitors to clean gear and boats thoroughly before travelling. An over-reaction, or is it something that BC webmasters should consider too ?
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Took my son to the Tradex show over the week-end with a pocket full of loonies to try our hand at the fishing pond. One fish either was going mental from being in the pool and getting bonked in the noggin by Powerbait or he had whirling disease--kept chasing his tail. It was very odd behaviour. Hmmm... I wrote it off until just now but having done a bit more reading on the subject maybe it wouldn't hurt to put in an inquiry to MOF. Might turn out to be nothing, but might not. Fish came from a local trout farm and would likely have no contact with wild populations but certainly the w.d. spores may migrate down a pond outlet stream and into local watersheds.
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Check out www.bcfisheries.gov.bc.ca/rec/fresh/ethics/whirling/html Just some basic info and no warning.
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A few amendments to the text on that page could produce something like this. Couldn't hurt. Attention: Visiting Anglers Subject: Whirling Disease Whirling Disease is caused by a parasite which attacks and kills trout. It can cause irreversible damage to native fish populations and valuable sport fisheries. Whirling Disease is not yet detected in B.C. but is common in many areas of the United States and elsewhere in the world. If you are visiting us from an area that has experienced Whirling Disease, please remember that the organism can be accidentally transported by anglers. Before travelling to BC, please clean your fishing gear, clothing and boats thoroughly. Do not transport fish, plants or other aquatic animals from an area already infected by Whirling Disease. For more information on preventing the spread of Whirling Disease: http://www.whirling-disease.org/
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If not for whirling it should be done anyways, both from non-residents and BC natives alike. Milfoil! And yes good info, should always ere on the side of caution.
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I hope people that use bellyboats like myself realise these precautions apply to us also. I scrub and clean mine after each use. There are alot of places like the seat,netting,buckles and straps,zippers that can carry milfoil and who knows what. Your fins and waders also. Besides they'll smell alot better. I find a little of that liquid car wash soap in warm water works good. The belly boat I have now is going into it's 6th season and still looks like new.
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