Invasive Species: Diseases Affecting Fish and Wildlife

Whirling disease is caused by a parasite, Myxobolus cerebralis, which infects trout and other salmonids. The disease is characterized by skeletal deformation in young fish that leads to swimming in circles and eventual death from starvation.

The parasite originated in Europe where native trout have developed resistance. It was found in New Mexico in 1998 and is currently present in waters on the Santa Fe National Forest. The disease is spread by waterborne spores of the parasite that can easily attach to fishing gear and survive for decades in storage. Fishermen and other stream visitors should clean all gear—including wading boots and fly rods—before entering a new stream or any other waterbody.

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Largemouth bass virus (LMBV) is a naturally occurring virus that affects fish. Its origin is unknown, but it is identical to a virus isolated in fish imported into the U.S. for the aquarium trade. 

Although found in various fish species, LMBV produces disease and lethality only in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). LMBV causes swimming imbalance in dying fish, which is apparently caused by a viral attack on the swim bladder. It is not known how the virus is transmitted or how it is activated into disease. Consequently, there is no cure or preventative action. LMBV has been found in lakes and impoundments from Texas to the eastern coast of the US and may eventually enter the Southwest.

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The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis causes a potentially lethal skin disease called chytridiomycosis that has led to a worldwide decline in amphibians. The disease is currently present in a number of amphibian populations on national forests in New Mexico. The global spread of B. dendrobatidis may be due in part to the importation and introduction of infected amphibians into natural ecosystems. 

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Although white-nose syndrome is not yet present in bats in the southwestern U.S., it may reach the region sometime in the future. The invasive disease affects bat populations by causing hibernating bats to lose fat reserves during the winter and thereby die of starvation. This disease has been given the name of white-nose syndrome (WNS) due to the presence of a white fungus growing on the noses of infected bats.  

A newly discovered fungus, Geomyces destructans, may appear on the wings, ears, and/or tails of WNS-affected bats, but it may also be absent. Although bat-to-bat transmission of WNS is probable, it is also thought that humans transmit WNS from infected sites (caves, mines, etc.) to clean sites. To prevent spread of WNS by humans, appropriate procedures for cleaning and decontamination of clothing and equipment should be implemented before going into sites where bats roost.

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