whirling disease
(Myxobolus cerebralis)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to Eurasia.
Life Cycle
M. cerebralis has a complex life cycle that involved two hosts: 1) salmonid fish and 2) tubifex worm (Tubifex tubifex). The parasitic myxobolus spores are ingested by the tubifex worms, where they serve as an intermediate host, and quickly multiply inside the worm’s intestine. Then the waterborne spore stage, triactinomyxon (TAM), is released into the water column where it floats until contacting an immediate host (i.e., salmonid fish). Hosts are then infected with M. cerebralis causing pressure to be applied to the equilibrium organ. This pressure causes the host to swim in circles leading to its death.
Distribution
First detected in Pennsylvania in 1956, M. cerebralis is now reported in numerous states. It continues to spread and is widespread.
Control Efforts
Anglers and boaters should rinse and clean debris from all gear and equipment before leaving. Additionally, anglers and boaters should not transport live fish, use salmonid fish as bait, or dispose of fish entrails in kitchen disposals or near bodies of water.
http://stopaquatichitchhikers.org/hitchhikers/others-whirling-disease/
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/animal-plant/aquatic/field-guide/4th-edition/finfish/whirling-disease.pdf
Native to Eurasia.
Life Cycle
M. cerebralis has a complex life cycle that involved two hosts: 1) salmonid fish and 2) tubifex worm (Tubifex tubifex). The parasitic myxobolus spores are ingested by the tubifex worms, where they serve as an intermediate host, and quickly multiply inside the worm’s intestine. Then the waterborne spore stage, triactinomyxon (TAM), is released into the water column where it floats until contacting an immediate host (i.e., salmonid fish). Hosts are then infected with M. cerebralis causing pressure to be applied to the equilibrium organ. This pressure causes the host to swim in circles leading to its death.
Distribution
First detected in Pennsylvania in 1956, M. cerebralis is now reported in numerous states. It continues to spread and is widespread.
Control Efforts
Anglers and boaters should rinse and clean debris from all gear and equipment before leaving. Additionally, anglers and boaters should not transport live fish, use salmonid fish as bait, or dispose of fish entrails in kitchen disposals or near bodies of water.
http://stopaquatichitchhikers.org/hitchhikers/others-whirling-disease/
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/animal-plant/aquatic/field-guide/4th-edition/finfish/whirling-disease.pdf
Invasive Listing Sources
- Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Myxozoa |
| Class: Myxosporea |
| Order: Myxosporida |
| Family: Myxobolidae |
| Genus: Myxobolus |
| Myxobolus cerebralis |