Abstract: Sentinel rainbow trout were placed in side channels of the Madison River (Montana) to determine the site-specific contribution of whirling disease risk. After exposure, fish were examined histologically and severity of infection was categorized.
Purpose: These data were collected as part of a larger study that examined the relationships among characteristics of the environment, Tubifex tubifex populations, and rainbow trout whirling disease risk in the Madison River (Montana).
Supplemental Information: Relevance of this dataset to fisheries managers: Whirling disease is widespread in the Madison River and the involvement of three organisms suggests no easy management solution. Management solutions to completely remove M. cerebralis from the Madison River are unlikely to be successful. However, our increased understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in M. cerebralis infections can help direct our management decisions. For example, encouraging practices that reduce the amount of fine sediments entering the river could result in lower densities of T. tubifex releasing TAMs. Additionally, practices such as management of the dam to allow increased spring flow levels to increase the velocity of the river near times of critical rainbow trout spawning and rearing could decrease the infectiveness of M. cerebralis. In addition, locating hot spots and subsequently implementing management strategies aimed at eliminating or reducing the source of M. cerebralis may be vital to reducing the impact of whirling disease throughout a river system. Application of this dataset: The site-specific contribution to whirling disease (WD) risk differed among side channels implying the existence of hot spots with large contributions to the overall WD risk in the river. Such hot spots have been suggested in other systems (Hiner and Moffitt 2002); however, our study is the first to clearly document the location of such spots.

Progress: Complete
Update Frequency: None planned

Theme Keywords: None, whirling disease, None, oligochaete worms, None, risk of infection, None, sentinel cages, ITIS, Myxobolus cerebralis, ITIS, Tubifex tubifex, None, severity of infection, ITIS, Oncorhynchus mykiss, None, rainbow trout, ISO 19115 Topic Category, Biota
Place Keywords: Madison River, Montana

Access Constraints: None
Usage Constraints: None