10 PolicyResourcesInc. 1996 Montana Whirling Disease Task Force 54 June 1996 ANIMALS-DISEASES & POISO animal studies, aquatic studies, fish, management, Montana, parasites, plan, trout, whirling disease, wildlife health, Myxobolus cerebralis Since its discovery late in 1994, a remarkable amount of energy has been focused on whirling disease in Montana. Field researchers have tested approximately 100 sites around the state to obtain a clearer picture of the distribution of the disease across Montana's waterways. Preliminary field experiments have been conducted to assess the impacts of the disease on wild trout populations. The major scientific literature on the disease has been compiled, reprinted and distributed to researchers and other interested groups and individuals. Surveys have been conducted to assess the impacts of the disease on catch rates experienced by the angling public.This Phase II Report is being distributed by the Task Force to provide background information to the Governor and other elected officials, as well as the Montana public, concerning whirling disease. The report summarizes the findings of the Task Force concerning the disease and sets forth nearly 40 different recommendations to address the whirling disease problem. To summarize the cornerstones of our recommendations:The Task Force recommends as a guiding philosophy that all actions to address whirling disease be consistent with protecting, preserving and restoring self-sustaining populations of wild, native and nonnative trout. Montana is the only state in the contiguous 48 states that does virtually no stocking of its rivers and streams. Our trout streams have reached world-class stature by relying nearly exclusively on natural reproduction rather than hatcheries. Found at Yellowstone Research LibraryNatureBib ID: 336980