Myxobolus Cerebralis
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Occurrence and seasonal dynamics of the whirling disease parasite, Myxobolus cerebralis, in Montana spring creeks by Ryen Aasheim Anderson A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management Montana State University © Copyright by Ryen Aasheim Anderson (2004) Abstract: Spring creeks provide a unique ecosystem for wild trout populations, characterized by high nutrient levels, chemical stability, steady flow regimes, and near optimum temperatures for spawning and rearing. However, several of these factors may accentuate whirling disease in spring creeks by providing favorable Tubifex tubifex habitat, the alternate host for the whirling disease parasite, and promoting the release of the infectious triactinomyxin (TAM) stage over prolonged periods. This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of whirling disease in nine different spring creeks and adjoining rivers or reservoirs in southwestern Montana. I investigated the influence of temperature, T tubifex abundance, water quality, and habitat characteristics on infection severity. Infection severity was measured with sentinel fish exposures in the spring and fall at all sites to evaluate the extent of infection. Seasonal dynamics of infection severity was assessed through monthly sampling in three spring creeks over a 20-month period. I found that infection severity was common (7 of 9 sites) but that severity among infected sites varied widely. Only five of nine sites had high infection levels (> 50% of sentinel fish exhibiting moderate to severe lesion scores ≥ grade 3) where population declines would be expected. The seasonal cycle of infection in spring creeks was much different than observed in non-spring fed streams as peak infection occurred during winter months, declined in late spring, and remained at low levels until fall when infection began to rise again. No significant relationships were found between infection severity and habitat features, T. tubifex abundance, and water quality, with the exception of infection severity and phosphorus in sites with moderate to high infection levels. Peak infections in spring creeks occurred at temperatures ranging from 6 to 12 °C. Redd counts and estimated emergence periods, correlated with sentinel fish exposure results indicated that fry emerging and rearing during late spring and summer are likely to avoid high infection, even in highly infected spring creeks. In contrast, given the high infection in spring creeks in late fall and winter, fry of fall spawning trout may be much more susceptible to infection in these systems. OCCURRENCE AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS OE THE WHIRLING DISEASE PARASITE, MYXOBOL US CEREBRALIS, IN MONTANA SPRING CREEKS by Ryen Aasheim Anderson A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana January 2004 A'/tZSiz APPROVAL of a thesis submitted by Ryen Aasheim Anderson This thesis has been read by each member of the thesis committee and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage, format, citations, bibliographic style, and consistency, and is ready for submission to the College of Graduate Studies. Dr. Tom McMahon Date Approved for the Di artment of Ecology Dr. Scott Creel Department Head, Ecology Department Approved for the College of Graduate Studies Dr. Bruce McLeoi Graduate Dean Date iii STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO USE In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Montana State University-Bozeman, I agree that the Library shall make it available to borrower’s under the rules of the Library. IfI have indicated my intention to copyright this thesis by including a copyright notice page, copying is allowable only for scholarly purposes, consistent with “fair use” as prescribed in the U.S. Copyright Law. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this thesis in whole or in parts may be granted only by the copyright holder. Signature Date I" K^O ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Funding for this project was provided by the Whirling Disease Foundation (WDF) and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Sincere thanks to Dave Kumlein, Susan Higgins, Wanda McCarthy, and Mr. Leon Hirsch for financial support of the WDF grant. I would also like to extend a special thanks to the private landowner families who. graciously allowed us access for this study: Milesnick, Krutars, Dana, Cooks, Branger, Engles, Adams and Alton families. I thank my advisor Dr. Tom McMahon for his continual guidance and would like to recognize my committee members Dave Erdahl, Billie Kerans and Al Zale who provided many useful editorial and study design suggestions. I would also like to recognize the following for their invaluable assistance including field and lab work, editorial suggestions, study site information and advice: Ron Aasheim, Erik Aasheim, John-Henry Anderson, JeffBagdanov, Jim Bauwker, Neta Carter, Dan Cartie, Chris Clancy, Eve Davey, Dan Downing, Bonnie Elliot, Cal Fraser, Kevin Fry, Grant Grisak, Ray Heagney, Janet Hess-Herbert, Jody Hupka, Rob Jacubowski, Matt Jaeger, Rebecca Krueger, Beth MacConnell, Jennie Miles, Andrew Munro, Lee Nelson, Scott Opitz, Ron Pierce, Sandy Pigeon, Molly Quinn, David Schmetterling, Ron Spoon, Linda Staton, and Matt Toner. A special thanks to Eileen Ryce for her invaluable suggestions and assistance. Finally, I would like to thank the Aasheim, Carter, Anderson and Ford families for their enduring support and encouragement. I express my greatest appreciation to my parents for being such a positive influence in my life, a constant reminder of what is truly important, and allowing me to make so many incredible memories in Montana. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................................. vii LIST OF FIGURES.............................................................................................................. viii ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................................I 1. INTRODUCTION...................................................... :.....................................................2 2. STUDY AREAS................................................................................................................ 8 Anceny.............................................................................................................................11 Blaine...............................................................................................................................11 Kleinschmidt/Rock Creek................................................................................................11 Clark Canyon...................................................................................................................12 Mitchell Slough................................................................................................................12 Ben Hart...........................................................................................................................12 Nelson.................................................................................................................... 13 Willow Springs................................................................................................................13 3. METHODS.......................................................................................................................M Myxobolus cerebralis infection........................................................................................14 Spawning and Emergence Timing...................................................................................18 Habitat..............................................................................................................................20 Temperature................................................... 20 Water Quality............................................................................................................ 20 Physical Habitat........................................................................................................ 21 Tubifex tubifex abundance............................................................................................... 22 Statstical Analysis....................................■...................................................................... 23 4. RESULTS........................................................................................................................ 25 Myxobolus cerebralis infection........................................................................ 25 Spawning and Emergence Timing.................................................................................. 33 Habitat............................................................................................................................. 40 Temperature.............................................................................................................. 40 Water Quality............................................................................................................ 41 Physical Habitat.......................................................................................................... 44 ' Tubifex tubifex abundance..............................................................................................