Recommendations contained in plans and reports are implemented. FWP fisheries biologists are involved in technical working groups associated with the projects pertaining to species of concern and threatened or endangered species. Whirling Disease FWP, along with many other organizations, including the Whirling Disease Foundation and the National Partnership on the Management of Wild and Native Coldwater Fisheries, funds tests and research to determine ways to combat the disease and infection of fish. FWP funds some research on its own and also contributes to the research conducted by others. To date, research has provided information on whirling disease and tubifex worm distribution in Montana, shown a temperature relationship between the disease and rate of infection, and resistance of species.
Tests show rainbow and cutthroat trout are highly susceptible with brook and brown trout less so.
Bull trout and Arctic grayling can be infected by the parasite but show a high resistance to severe infections. FWP's research centers around four core questions developed by the Governor's Whirling Disease Task Force. A Whirling Disease Coordinator position was created in the department to oversee research efforts in Montana. Life history tests of the tubifex worm, the parasite, and wild trout will be taking place in 1999, with test results expected in the year 2000. If these tests are successful the department will investigate ways to modify the life histories of wild trout.