Episode 121: Fish Health and Disease (PKD)

 Fish populations face increasing pressure from environmental changes, habitat loss, and invasive species, but a new, invisible threat is emerging in our waters. While most anglers are familiar with whirling disease, the recent confirmation of Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) in Alberta has raised new concerns among fisheries managers and conservationists alike. In this episode, we dive into the history of fish diseases in North America, how these pathogens spread between water systems, and what the sudden discovery of this microscopic parasite means for the province's fisheries.We are joined by Dr. Emmanuel Pila, whose work detecting fish pathogens safeguards the health of our populations, and Dr. Trish Kelley, a fish health and aquatic animal disease specialist who leads the province's monitoring and public outreach. Together, they give us an insider look at the work being done, the critical balance between public concern and scientific reality, and highlighting the practical steps anglers can take to protect our aquatic ecosystems.In this episode:Explore the history of major fish diseases across North America and how environmental stressors like rising river temperatures, low stream flows, and drought make trout populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks.Learn exactly what PKD is, and why its detection in Alberta requires adaptive management rather than panic.Find out how anglers can act as the front line conservation stewards through "Clean, Drain, Dry" practices, proper fish handling to minimize catch-and-release stress, and reporting unusual fish behaviour to help tracking efforts.Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover.Find Brad at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brad.fensonFind Harvest Your Own at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestYourOwnInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestyourownaca/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@harvestyourownacaX/Twitter: https://x.com/harvestyourownWebsite: https://www.harvestyourown.ca/