DNR Investigating Trout Diseases at Hatcheries

[fredw]

From the DNR. Sure hope no infected fish made it into the hootch below Buford Dam.

DNR Investigating Trout Diseases at Hatcheries

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is investigating Whirling Disease (WHD) and Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) in hatchery-raised trout at the Buford and Summerville Trout Hatcheries. Initial testing results indicate that both hatcheries are positive for WHD and IHNV.


“While neither WHD or IHNV are harmful to humans, these diseases can cause high trout mortalities in hatchery systems and in the wild, and there are no known therapeutic treatments to eliminate these pathogens,” said WRD Chief of Fisheries Scott Robinson. “As a result, Georgia WRD has temporarily suspended its trout stocking program and is in the process of collecting additional trout samples for disease analysis, investigating the source for both pathogens, and identifying disinfectant methodologies for treating the hatcheries.”

 

[JakkBauer]

oopie

 

[turkeykirk]

Not good.

 

[Para Bellum]

That’s great. The only good thing about Atlanta could be in jeopardy? There are some bonafide trophies below Buford Dam.

 

[northgeorgiasportsman]

Trout fishing on hatchery supported waters could look very different in Georgia next year.

 

[trad bow]

Wonder how the disease got in the hatcheries? Infected fry or did someone with the WRD make a road trip to the Northwest area and brought it back with their gear?

 

[gobbleinwoods]

Wonder how the disease got in the hatcheries? Infected fry or did someone with the WRD make a road trip to the Northwest area and brought it back with their gear?

Wondering the same thing.

As well as if any infected fish were actually stocked into the rivers.

 

[Meriwether Mike]

North Carolina hatcheries are also a mess after the flooding. The DH and stockings in both Georgia and North Carolina could be seriously reduced if they happen at all.

 

[lampern]

So does the DNR raise their own trout or get the eggs/fish elsewhere?

 

[gobbleinwoods]

Reading the DNR website they suggest that waders be disinfected after being in a stream. So the question is do they mean the entire waders or just the soles of the boots? How would a 10% bleach solution affect the material of the boots and neoprene?

 

[Meriwether Mike]

Bleach the felt soles and let UV (sunlight) clean the waders themselves.

 

[northgeorgiasportsman]

So does the DNR raise their own trout or get the eggs/fish elsewhere?

If I'm not mistaken, most of the eggs/fry in Georgia hatcheries come from other states.

 

[lampern]

https://georgiatu.org/two-georgia-trout-hatcheries-detect-diseases-on-site/

Update

 

[lampern]

Outlawing felt sole waders may be a good idea

 

[gobbleinwoods]

according to the Doc ^^^^ dirt potentially transfers diseases as much as felt soles can. Wash and disinfect your boots and waders.

 

[Jimmy Harris]

The recent discovery of whirling disease and IHN at two Georgia trout hatcheries is an unfortunate development. Unicoi Outfitters has proudly maintained a decades-long history of partnership with the fine professionals at GADNR. We support the agency’s efforts to research and remedy these disease issues and stand ready to help in any way we can.
Let’s all do our part to help with the solution. Please read the agency press release and consider the ways that each one of us trout anglers can help in this effort.

 

[TommyPaine]

Bad news for sure. Does this affect native populations as well as non-native?

 

[lampern]

Bad news for sure. Does this affect native populations as well as non-native?

Apparently it affects wild and stocked fish, especially rainbow trouts

 

[TommyPaine]

Apparently it affects wild and stocked fish, especially rainbow trouts

I was asking Brook (native) vs Rainbow and Browns (non-natives)

 

[NCHillbilly]

I was asking Brook (native) vs Rainbow and Browns (non-natives)

Yes, it can affect any species of trout, apparently.