The parasite that causes whirling disease is an aquatic nuisance species. Below are several steps that anglers can take to prevent the spread of whirling disease, gill lice, hydrilla, didymo and other aquatic nuisance species:
Drain water from boats before leaving the area where you have been fishing.
DRY Equipment. If possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before entering new waters.
When cleaning fish do not dispose of fish parts or other by-products that may hold spores into any body of water or into sinks.
Learn more at http://stopaquatichitchhikers.org/.
For additional questions, email whirlingdisease@ncwildlife.org.