Based on presumptive evidence of death (extrusion of polar filaments and disintegration of sporoplasm) 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.25% calcium oxide or potassium hydroxide killed the spores of Myxosoma cerebrallis in vitro. Chlorine at 400 ppm destroyed 36% to 90% of the spores but 13% to 37% of those in the controls perished. Calcium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, sodium borate, potassium permanganate, Roccal (alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride), and copper sulfate allowed survival of 38–96% of the spores, usually not much less than the rate of survival of the controls.

In simulated pond testing, quicklime at 380 grams or more per square meter (3360 lbs/acre) of pond bottom prevented whirling disease in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).