qPCR-based environmental monitoring of Myxobolus cerebralis and phylogenetic analysis of its tubificid hosts in Alberta, Canada.

Myxobolus cerebralis is the causative agent of whirling disease in salmonid fishes. In 2016, this invasive parasite was detected in Alberta, Canada, for the first time, initiating a comprehensive 3 yr monitoring program to assess where the parasite had spread within the province. As part of this program, a qPCR-based test was developed to facilitate detection of the environmental stages of M.

Comparative swimming and station-holding ability of the threatened Rocky Mountain Sculpin ( sp.) from four hydrologically distinct rivers.

Hydrologic alterations, such as dams, culverts or diversions, can introduce new selection pressures on freshwater fishes, where they are required to adapt to novel environmental conditions. Our study investigated how species adapt to natural and altered stream flow, where we use the threatened Rocky Mountain Sculpin ( sp.) as a model organism.