Food safety experts on alert as parasite spreads across different states
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Fishing is more than just a way to gather food—it has evolved into a hobby many partake in.
There's nothing more satisfying than capturing a fish in the wild and looking at it up close and personal.
However, fish enthusiasts and seafood lovers should pay attention to a potentially concerning issue that is making waves in several states.
The red-worm-of-trout, a freshwater fish parasite scientifically known as Eustrongylides excisus, initially found in New South Wales, has reached Queensland and Victoria waters.
This discovery raised questions about the parasite's distribution and potential risks to humans and animals.
The red-worm-of-trout is not an average worm; it's a parasite that can cause serious harm.
It can burrow through the fish's intestinal walls.
In rare cases, the red-worm-of-trout could infect mammals, including humans who consume infected, raw, or undercooked freshwater fish.
While human infections are exceedingly rare, they could lead to severe conditions.
For infected animals, the parasite could be lethal.
Veterinary parasitologist Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi from Charles Sturt University has been at the forefront of this discovery.
After initially finding the parasite in New South Wales, Professor Shamsi wanted to conduct a comprehensive study to map out the full extent of the parasite's reach.
'Are they in continuous distribution from Queensland to Victoria, or are there areas for whatever reason where these parasites are more abundant and other areas where fish are healthy and safe?' she asked.
The red-worm-of-trout's life cycle is complex, as it involves three hosts.
It starts with an invertebrate in the water, which is then consumed by a fish, leading to infection.
The cycle ends when a bird preys on the infected fish, becoming the final host.
As the parasite burrows into the bird's intestines, it eventually spreads its larvae through the bird's faeces, restarting the cycle by infecting more invertebrates.
Human infections related to the red-worm-of-trout are rare yet severe.
There were at least six confirmed cases of human infection, with symptoms typically presenting as abdominal pain.
These cases are generally considered low and could be prevented with proper food safety practices.
However, the danger to pets fed raw, infected fish is more pronounced, as they may not receive prompt medical attention.
Despite the rarity of human infection, the documented cases have been concerning.
The infections have varied in presentation, with some worms even burrowing their way out of the skin.
Assistant Professor Brandon Ruehle from Peru State College in Nebraska emphasised the importance of food safety precautions to prevent infection.
He reassured that stomach acids are typically effective at neutralising parasites but also acknowledged the need for further investigation into the spread of the red-worm-of-trout.
Professor Shamsi, while advocating for caution, encouraged the public to continue enjoying seafood.
She stressed the importance of food safety—a sentiment echoed by seafood connoisseurs and health experts alike.
Have you encountered any issues with freshwater fish? Do you have any tips for ensuring the seafood you consume is safe? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and let's keep each other informed and healthy while enjoying the food we love.
There's nothing more satisfying than capturing a fish in the wild and looking at it up close and personal.
However, fish enthusiasts and seafood lovers should pay attention to a potentially concerning issue that is making waves in several states.
The red-worm-of-trout, a freshwater fish parasite scientifically known as Eustrongylides excisus, initially found in New South Wales, has reached Queensland and Victoria waters.
This discovery raised questions about the parasite's distribution and potential risks to humans and animals.
The red-worm-of-trout is not an average worm; it's a parasite that can cause serious harm.
Raw fish and seafood are safe for consumption as long as they follow proper food safety procedures. Image Credit: Pexels/Kindel Media
It can burrow through the fish's intestinal walls.
In rare cases, the red-worm-of-trout could infect mammals, including humans who consume infected, raw, or undercooked freshwater fish.
While human infections are exceedingly rare, they could lead to severe conditions.
For infected animals, the parasite could be lethal.
Veterinary parasitologist Professor Shokoofeh Shamsi from Charles Sturt University has been at the forefront of this discovery.
After initially finding the parasite in New South Wales, Professor Shamsi wanted to conduct a comprehensive study to map out the full extent of the parasite's reach.
'Are they in continuous distribution from Queensland to Victoria, or are there areas for whatever reason where these parasites are more abundant and other areas where fish are healthy and safe?' she asked.
The red-worm-of-trout's life cycle is complex, as it involves three hosts.
It starts with an invertebrate in the water, which is then consumed by a fish, leading to infection.
The cycle ends when a bird preys on the infected fish, becoming the final host.
As the parasite burrows into the bird's intestines, it eventually spreads its larvae through the bird's faeces, restarting the cycle by infecting more invertebrates.
Human infections related to the red-worm-of-trout are rare yet severe.
There were at least six confirmed cases of human infection, with symptoms typically presenting as abdominal pain.
These cases are generally considered low and could be prevented with proper food safety practices.
However, the danger to pets fed raw, infected fish is more pronounced, as they may not receive prompt medical attention.
Despite the rarity of human infection, the documented cases have been concerning.
The infections have varied in presentation, with some worms even burrowing their way out of the skin.
Assistant Professor Brandon Ruehle from Peru State College in Nebraska emphasised the importance of food safety precautions to prevent infection.
He reassured that stomach acids are typically effective at neutralising parasites but also acknowledged the need for further investigation into the spread of the red-worm-of-trout.
Professor Shamsi, while advocating for caution, encouraged the public to continue enjoying seafood.
She stressed the importance of food safety—a sentiment echoed by seafood connoisseurs and health experts alike.
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