Experts believe that certain species of fish in the Chesapeake Bay area of the USA may be carrying a disease that can be transferred to humans.
According to a report in the Ledger Enquirer, a bacterium called Mycobacterium marinum has spread to at least 50% of the rockfish populations of the Chesapeake Bay. Possibly as much as 76% of the fish population may be affected.
One fisherman has already developed the human form of the disease, which resulted in a swelling and stiffening of his arm.
Professor Howard Ernst told the Ledger Enquirer: "I think there is a clear, human health concern that hundreds of people will be out fishing for rockfish at the start of the season, and very few are aware that this disease is prevalent in these fish."
Various species of Mycobacterium also affect aquarium fishes, causing the condition known as Fish TB. This can lead to a human form of the disease, commonly called "Fish Tank Granuloma". PFK knows of several retailers who have contracted the disease through their contact with ornamental fishes.
Fish TB seems to affect a wide variety of aquarium fishes, but like Nocardia, which has similar symptoms including emaciation and nodules on the kidneys, it seems particularly prevalent in anabantoids and livebearers, especially those imported from Far East farms.