Whirling disease is a microscopic parasite by the name of Myxobolus cerebralis that affects trout, whitefish, and salmon. In Alberta, species most likely to be affected by whirling disease include Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Brook Trout and Brown Trout. Though the effect on fish in the salmon family can be different depending on species and the water body, young fish have the highest mortality rate. 

North Saskatchewan River Watershed Declared Infected

Whirling disease has been detected upstream in the North Saskatchewan River watershed. While whirling disease may not be present in all water bodies within a declared watershed, it is a threat to water bodies in Edmonton if we do not take action.