Worms/Parasites/Here???

I live in Henderson Nevada. The area has several urban ponds that are stocked in the summer with Channel Catfish,and in the late Fall and Winter with Rainbow Trout.I have been lucky enough to catch a few on a Fly.Over the past couple weeks I've noticed some Catfish that seemed sick and even some dead Catfish on the shore and now this week I've discovered Bluegills with what appear to be a round flat coiled worm/organism in the area between their Gills and their Backbone.Also those Catfish had lesions all over their bodies.some even had milky/cloudy eyes.So far,the trout they planted on November,Sixth,don't seem to be affected.I'm not sure what is going on and want to know what action I should take?should I notify someone,or some agency?what are the possible health risks ,precautions to be taken.maybe these fish ,and I mean all of them shouldn't be consumed. :(

I don't know who you should notify but I am sure that you should. It may just be an unfortunate normal out break but then again it may be something that needs immediate attention by the authorities.

IMO

I agree,and I plan on making some calls.I already discussed the issue with Parks Dept.Employees but haven't heard back yet .maybe I'll get a response on Monday.Thanks for your reply,tonight. and good night . :)

All Dept of Natural Resource office have biologist that take care of such fish kills. Discribe the problem and if it is new they will check out thr site. Your state should have a web site to go to on the internet. BILL
Fill in your profile so we know where you live--in Indiana I coild give you names

Bobber,

I took a look at the NDOW website, and it looks like there have been major die offs in reservoirs due to low oxygen this summer.... but what you're describing sure doesn't sound like that. Trout would be the first to go, and low O2 doesn't have anything to do with worms.... so yes I'd definitly try and report it.

This guy is the contact for Nevada fisheries:

Rich Haskins
(775) 688-1569

and here's contact info for the regional office in Henderson

744 S. Racetrack Rd.
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 486-6742

Good luck. Would be interested to hear what it turns out to be, and am sure others are too.

peregrines

I've been in touch with NDOW and they have listened to my concerns and indicated that the Worms have been seen before ,but they shouldn't be a health risk as long as the fish are cooked thoroughly before consuming them.They do not currently have a Biologist on Staff here locally.A study is planned next year,to look into possible preventative measures for dealing with "Ick"the generic term for the sick and dying catfish populations,here in Nevada.They do feel,it has a lot to do with their choice of vendors for the Catfish they plant in the summer months.The good news is that the Rainbows that have been planted in these urban ponds don't appear to be affected at all. Happy Turkey Day!