Mycobacteriosis

Fishing is quite a hobby for some and a method of relaxation for others. While many enjoy fishing, lately in Chesapeake Bay has been changed. The Rockfish (striped bass) have been infected with a disease known as mycobacteriosis. Contrary to what some may think, this disease has not affected the amount of fish that are being caught. Scientists have yet to explain this phenomena.

Many wonder what health problems can be caused by fish infected with mycobacteriosis. Currently the only known problems with humans who touch the fish are the possibility of a skin infection, joint problems similar to arthritis, lung disease and swollen lymph glands. From 2000 to 2004 there was an increase from eighteen to forty-six reported cases of the skin condition fishermen developed from the bayfish. Many are worried about the consequences of eating the infected fish, but thus far, there are no bad side effects from consuming fish that was infected

Mycobacteriosis has been around for over a decade. It was in 1997 that mycobacteriosis was discovered in adult fish, but fish are immediately exposed to the bacteria when they are born. When first infected, from the outside, it is hard to distinguish an infected fish from a healthy fish. Once the fish has been affected for a considerable length of time, it loses weight and sores begin to grow on the fish. Scientists have not yet been able to tell during what stage the fish dies, but have noticed the previous symptoms on affected fish.

I would be very cautious about fishing in Chesapeake Bay and eating rockfish from the area. Since mycobacteriosis has not been around for all that long there could be long term side effects that people are unaware of.

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