Project: Effects of Myxobolus cerebralis Infection on Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout in Northeastern Oregon

Primary Investigator: Jerri Bartholomew
Project Summary: This study examined the impacts of whirling disease on steelhead trout and chinook salmon in northeastern Oregon. Long-term exposures were conducted with steelhead juveniles at two steelhead rearing facilities. Clinical disease signs were evident in fish held at both sites. In laboratory challenges, chinook salmon displayed an increased resistance to the parasite when compared to highly-susceptible rainbow trout. The potential for exposure of chinook salmon and steelhead smolts in acclimation facilities was investigated using sentinel rainbow trout. Exposure to the parasite was demonstrated at five of seven tested facilities. Saltwater acclimation observations indicted that whirling-disease-infected fish had an increased mortality rate when compared to uninfected fish during acclimation.
Funding Period: 2000-2001
Final Report: bartholomew_00-01.pdf
Dataset(s) associated with this project:

Susceptibility of Bull Trout to M. cerebralis Infection

Experimental Exposure of Chinook Salmon to M.cerebralis TAMs

Laboratory Exposure of Chinook Salmon to TAMs