You’re right; decontaminating fishing gear is an overstep at this point. I note that the Gov’t of Alberta only recommends decontamination for researchers and fishing guides.

I’ll leave my spray bottle, basin and Quat Plus at home.

I'm not sure disinfecting your gear is necessary or even recommended at this point. Information on line is rather sketchy and inconsistent. Some info out of Oregon where Whirling disease is present but not endemic, suggests cleaning off mud and silt and drying your gear should be sufficient. A good rinse with a spray hose and standard chlorinated water may be enough. I'd also suggest that any non bleach household cleaner should work.

The recommendations from the Province are here:  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/fish/aquatic-species/aquatic-invasives/whirling-disease#preventing

Also want to note the most at risk species are Rainbow Trout/Steelhead and sockeye. Other species like cutthroat, brook trout and chinook are moderately at risk while the parasite poses a lower risk to most other pacific salmon species, bull trout and dolly varden.

There is a list susceptibility of salmonids at:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmonid_susceptibility_to_whirling_disease

We will be joining you on the golf in late June after we have our Stanley Cup parade.  Another year of would've, could've and should've for the Leafs.

I’m planning a 5 day stream fishing trip to an E. Kootenay drainage this summer and I’m re-thinking my bio-security actions.

My gear may not dry overnight so I’ve read that a 10% disinfectant solution is effective. Bleach is not recommended for fishing gear, but Quat Plus appears to be.

Admittedly, bio-security hasn’t been on my radar the past couple of years but I think a basin, spray bottle and a jug of Quat Plus will be part of my packing list this year.

Good news, I got my TML advisor role renewed on the Presser yesterday. On another front looks ike FA's team will be joining us on the golf course.

Whirling Disease is suspected in a radical decline in Rainbow trout in the Crowsnest River. I have fished this river as well. There are Brown tout in the system below the falls:

Whirling disease in the Crowsnest River: an emerging threat to wild salmonids in Alberta

https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2020-0484#:~:text=In%20the%20Crowsnest%20River%2C%20previous,declines%20in%20the%20Crowsnest%20River.

With Whirling disease present in the Bow system and lakes in the National Parks on the Rockies, the Elk system and other East Kootenay Rivers known for their Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout fishing must be considered at risk since many people who live in and visit the area do fish in both Alberta and BC waters quite literally in the same day.

Here's a good article about whirling disease though it is specifically referenced to the Bow River in Alberta. I think it is important for anglers and all users to know how each of us who use and enjoy our waterways can help slow the spread of Whirling disease. We are not helpless before it and best I can find it does not result in widespread reduction of fish populations in every system it enters:

Whirling down the Bow River
Joseph Morgan Casat

What a surprise, yet another invasive species we have to deal with.  This time however, the invader is tiny, microscopic.  This invasive species has made its way to the Bow River system in Banff National Park. A first appearance in Canada, the microscopic organism causes Whirling disease, affecting fish in the salmon family like Rainbow trout, everyone’s favorite game fish.

This disease causes a deformed spine and blackened tail, making it look as if someone has pinched and bent the spine near the tail.  It also reshapes the head, making it squarer.

Whirling disease showed up in North America first in Pennsylvania in 1956. Because this disease is endemic to Europe, the fish there have gained a sort of immunity to the parasites. In North America, our fish have little immunity to the disease.  Currently fish populations are being closely monitored around the Great Lakes since it was detected in some American hatcheries, but still was never recorded in Canada…until now.

While there is no risk to human health when consuming infected fish, it can be lethal to the fish it infects. The parasites first infect sludge worms, a common worm found in the sediment of most lakes and rivers.  At some point, infected worms are then consumed by juvenile fish and causes skeletal deformation and neurological damage.  Both of these lead an awkward corkscrew swimming pattern, usually belly up, giving the disease its name. Due to the effects of this disease, it becomes difficult for fish to feed and they are more prone to predation. Once the fish dies, the parasite returns to the water, are consumed by the aquatic worms and the cycle continues. The parasites end up in new places by the movement of infected fish, infected worms, contaminated equipment, birds or water

On August 23, 2016 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed Whirling disease to be present in fish found in Jonson Lake in Banff. In an attempt to control spreading, the lake was closed soon thereafter.  The concern was that it would flow out of the lake and into the connecting river systems.  Jonson Lake flows into Cascade River which then connects to Bow River. 

On September 7th, a fish taken from just below the confluence of the Cascade and Bow Rivers tested positive for Whirling disease. Recently there have been more cases including several in unnamed commercial aquaculture facilities in Alberta.  It’s also been found in a section of the Lower Bow river to Tunnel mountain, Carrot Creek, all of the Cascade River as well as Cascade creek, and Spray river upstream of the confluence the Bow and Cascade rivers.  It’s spreading quickly.

There is no known cure for the disease but that doesn’t mean we are helpless. Anglers and recreational river users can take steps to prevent the spread of the parasite. Clean, Drain, Dry is a slogan used in attempt to stop the spread of other invasive species via boats. It also applies for the spread of Whirling disease.  The program is intended to encourage boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats before transporting them between different water sheds.

Dispose of fish entrails and carcasses when done fishing. Clean your footwear, waders, lines and flies in a bleach and water solution when moving to a new area, stream or water body. Check online for reports of the disease in waters you intend to fish. By learning to recognize the symptoms of the disease and not transporting infected fish whether dead or alive, you can also reduce the chance of the disease spreading.

https://www.bushwhackersflyfish.com/whirling-disease-in-the-bow-river/

Thanks. I wasn't trolling. I asked because I did not want to make an assumption. If you look at my previous posts over the years you'll find I take all sides to arguments. Your posts create dialogue and I believe that is how people move forward.

Apologies. I don't remember the last time someone asked me whether I was in favor of the Covid shot without trying to troll me.

Everybody knows it? You need a chin strap for your tinfoil hat so it doesn’t fall off.

This shows you aren't paying attention. It's been about 80 years since the last tinfoil wrap product was produced.

Yes, I know you are trolling me, but whatever....
It was poison then and it is poison now. The difference is now that everyone knows it. Sucks for those who who got their 14 boosters.

Thanks. I wasn't trolling. I asked because I did not want to make an assumption. If you look at my previous posts over the years you'll find I take all sides to arguments. Your posts create dialogue and I believe that is how people move forward.