I have seen this same parasite on bluegill at the lake where these fish were originally stocked from. Sounds to me like you will get it even if you try not to have it. We all know those Blue Herons won't stop from depositing the "eggs" in our ponds now will they?? Doesn't sound like it is worth the time to try and treat for it either.
As far as the stunting, it made sense that the genetics weren't able to be passed on, but the guy was trying to sell me perch fingerlings too, so ya know. I think I will go ahead with my plans to transfer some fish this fall, clip their fins to mark them as such and also get some other fish to stock as well. Doesn't sound like it would hurt a thing.
