[IMAGES] A parasite that makes you dizzy as well as trout malformations threatens our lakes

In addition,

[images] parasite makes you dizzy:

A microscopic worm that causes malformations in trout affects lakes in the northern United States. Therefore, sufficiently worries Quebec biologists so that they will appeal to vigilance.

“It is a parasite that can be fatal for salmonids, but is safe for human health. Consequently, It is not present with us. However, but we want to avoid its introduction [au Québec]”Explains the biologist Mélissa Pimentel, who takes care of risk prevention in aquatic habitats at the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks.

Mélissa Pimentel is a biologist at the Quebec Ministry of the Environment. She is responsible for prevention of fauna diseases in aquatic environment. Photo provided by MELCCFP

Invisible to the naked eye. the parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis was observed for the first time in 1956 in the state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. Since then, he has spread to 21 states, some of which affect Quebec borders (New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine). In Canada, it was identified in British Columbia and Alberta.

It affects several salmonids, but the omble of fountain (speckled trout) and the rainbow trout are the most vulnerable species.

“Turning of trout”

Called “turned by trout”, this parasite affects the growth and the nervous system of fish. In some states [images] parasite makes you dizzy such as Colorado. more than 90% of the trout which had died of it, but more often than not, the signs of its presence are morphological (the spine is distorted) or neurological (the fish goes around in circles). It was this swimming plug swimming that gave it its name.

“The easiest way to prevent the spread of this invasive exotic species is to carefully clean all the nautical equipment when moving it. ” says Mme Pimentel.

Another risk factor is the use of living-apparements, which is a risk of spread. In Quebec, it has been forbidden since 2017 to use this technique to attract sports fishing.

Public collaboration

Mme Pimentel stresses that public participation is essential to avoid the introduction of such invasive exotic species.

“Anyone who would see a fish with signs of the presence of this parasite is invited to take a picture of it. communicate with us,” [images] parasite makes you dizzy she said.

Infected trout tend to swim in a corkscrew, which is why we call the disease “filled with trout”. Photo provided by MELCCFP

It sums up the means of prevention: empty. clean, dry the equipment; Never move fish from one lake to another, and throw the viscera in the trash.

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[images] parasite makes you dizzy

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