Is this fish safe to eat? When to err on the side of caution

Fish can get viruses and can become stricken with diseases in a similar way to humans and wildlife. Fish can have appearances on the outside and internally, which give pause when cleaning, making you wonder: “Is it safe to eat?”

While I understand the desire to keep, clean, and eat your catch, I’ll always suggest erring on the side of caution. If it doesn’t look or smell right, is it worth the risk?

Fisheries biologist think through the same considerations as you so that’s for each angler to decide in the end. Here’s a brief overview of a few occurrences from species out here in North Dakota.

Sandy flesh

Can I still consume? Not recommended. Fish flesh affected by this disease appears coarse and brown, similar to fish fillets that have been freezer burned.

Can I get it? No. There is no known transfer to humans.

How can I protect myself and others?

Although there is no known link between myofibrogranuloma in fish and muscular dystrophy in humans, the cause of sandy flesh is not known, and it is recommended that you do not eat infected fish. Is it safe for pet? No. Since the link between this disease and other animals is not understood, consumption by pets is not recommended. What causes sandy flesh? Similar to muscular dystrophy in humans, the cause of this disease affecting muscle tissue is not known.

Lymphocystis

Can I still use the fish?

Yes. Fish infected by this virus exhibit cauliflower-like growths on skin, fins and occasionally gills. Can I get it? No.

The disease poses no known health hazards to humans.

How can I protect myself and others?

Consume fish fillets like any other by properly cleaning, preparing and cooking. Is it safe for pets? Yes.

Fish roundworm and or Diphyllobothriasis

Can I still use it? Yes. Infected fish have worms that are red, white and/or off-white found in intestines, body cavity and beneath skin. There have been no known infections in humans from freshwater fish.

How can I protect myself and others?

Consume fish fillets like any other by properly cleaning, preparing and cooking. There is no known risks to humans.

Is it safe for pets? Yes.

What causes it? There are several types of roundworms found in freshwater fish such as philometra, camallanus and contracaecum. Note: A roundworm called anisakis simplex that can infect humans is found in marine fish.

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Black spot

Can I still use the fish? Yes.

It just doesn’t look nice. Black spot disease appears as small, round, black cysts. Spots are commonly seen in skin of infected fish, but can also be embedded in flesh. Black spot is not known to infect humans.

How can I protect myself and others? Trim away infested tissue and cook thoroughly before eating.

Is it safe for pets? Yes.

Remove infected tissue and cook thoroughly. A larvae trematodes causes this disease. Trematodes are parasitic flatworms that have suckers and hooks to attach themselves to host tissues.

Learn more at: https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/humans