Project: Myxobolus cerebralis risk to Yellowstone cutthroat trout related to variation in Tubifex tubifex abundance and susceptibility: Year two

Primary Investigator: Billie Kerans
Project Summary: Myxobolus cerebralis occurs in two tributaries to Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. In Pelican Creek, whirling disease severity is high and spawning populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout have been severely decreased. In the Yellowstone River, whirling disease severity is lower and Yellowstone cutthroat trout have not markedly declined. This investigation aims to increase our understanding of this variability and to refine risk factors quantitatively. Quantitative parameters will be developed for a risk assessment for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. This study will also evaluate Tubifex tubifex genetics and ecology and their relationship to M. cerebralis infection in Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Specific objectives of this study include 1) determine if susceptible T. tubifex strains are more prevalent and abundant where whirling disease risk is severe, 2) determine habitat selection of T. tubifex strains, 3) determine susceptibility of T. tubifex strains from locations with varying whirling disease risk, and 4) field validate and test results concerning T. tubifex strains and habitat conditions. These results will be important for management of this native salmonid species and can be used for risk assessments and management of other species and other locations.
Funding Period: 2006-2007
Final Report: 2006-2007 final report not yet available
Dataset(s) associated with this project:

There are no datasets associated with this project.