WD Disinfection Methods

Scientific evidence has proven that angler’s equipment, particularly felt soles, is responsible for moving some ANS species such as whirling disease spores, Didymo, and New Zealand mud snails.  Due to its porous nature, felt may have the potential to  transmit other ANS, too.  While fish health professionals, biologists, and others may use chemical treatments for their working equipment, there is no single chemical treatment that will kill various ANS. Therefore, TU recommends that anglers simply inspect, clean, and dry their equipment.  When traveling between drainages, inspect your equipment for sediment, debris, and plants.  Thoroughly clean with water, hot water if available, and use a soft brush to clean seams and folds in waders and shoes.  Whenever possible, dry your equipment, too.    Desiccation will kill some ANS, not all, so, drying is a very good idea.  While these simple recommendations will not guarantee the prevention of all ANS movement, they will help reduce the risk of spread and help protect our precious trout and salmon resources.

Remember:

Never transport any fish, plant or animal, alive or dead, between water bodies.

Always check, clean and dry all equipment. 

Want more information?  Download a guide to preventing the spread of whirling disease (pdf).