Whirling Disease

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Maine is currently free from Whirling Disease.

Whirling Disease is a chronic parasitic infection of cultured and wild salmonids caused by the myxosporean parasite Myxobolus cerabralis (syn. Myxosoma cerebralis). Myxosoma cerebralis has a specif appetite for young fish cartilage. Parasite infection can result in axial skeleton deformities and neurological damage to fish.

What you can do to help prevent the spread of Whirling Disease and other fish diseases in Maine...
Fish Health Laboratory
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
RR 5, Box 975, Burns Road
Augusta, ME 04330

Phone: (207) 287-2813
    Fax: (207) 287-2813

Rainbow trout
Rainbow trout - Oncorhynchus mykis
  • Clean all equipment, including boats, trailers, boots and float tubes of mud before leaving the river or lake.
  • Do not transport any river or lake water in coolers, buckets, boats or live wells from one river basin to another.
  • Disinfect equipment at home with a 1% solution of chlorine bleach to destroy the parasite.
  • Don't transport live fish between bodies of water. This practice could spread the disease and is strictly illegal.
  • Don't dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water. Fish parts should be disposed of in the garbage or by burning.
  • Buy bait from Maine sources ONLY and ask bait dealers if they buy only Maine-caught live bait.
  • Report any diseased fish to regional biologists or the State Fish Health Laboratory.


Whirling Disease Cycle - Illustration by Randy Bright Provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks


Whirling Disease Cycle Illustration by Randy Bright Provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Salmon image courtesy of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.


Home FAQ Association Boating Laws Community Contests Current Events Discussions Fishing
Links Living Local Laws Maps Marine Safety Past Events Photos State of Maine Water Education
E-mail: Contact the webmaster with your questions, comments or suggestions.

Whirling Disease