More cases of whirling disease parasite in B.C. waters [Video]

The British Columbia government says it has detected more cases of a parasite that Parks Canada describes as potentially devastating to young trout and salmon.

The provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship says three trout samples from the southern arm of Kootenay Lake have tested positive for the parasite that causes whirling disease.

The first case of the parasite in B.C. waters was found in September 2023 in Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake, which prompted the closure of nearby waterways as officials looked to stop the spread.

The province says it is not sure if the new cases in Kootenay Lake are linked to Yoho National Park, and biologists are testing more samples from this year in the ongoing investigation.

The ministry says Kootenay Lake is one of the largest freshwater fisheries in the province and supports Gerrard rainbow trout and kokanee fisheries, which draw anglers from across …