The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says whirling disease, a disorder affecting trout, has been confirmed in rainbow trout collected from the Watauga River. It's the first occurrence of the disease in the state.
A statement from the commission says the trout were discovered near Foscoe, in southwestern North Carolina.
Whirling disease affects rainbow and brook trout, two species found in the Tar Heel State. The disease damages cartilage and skeletal tissue, causing fish to swim in a whirling motion. It doesn't infect humans or pets, and eating an infected fish is not known to be harmful.
The commission has suspended stocking fish raised at its three trout hatcheries until it can confirm that hatchery trout are free of the disease. Hatchery fish are also being collected. They'll be sent to an Auburn University lab for testing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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