Fish and Humans

[Add]

Hi Guys,

I went to an aquarium yesterday and while talking to the shop owner who himself has been looking at aquaponics, brought some things to light that i hadnt heard about.

Im using ornamental gold fish in my aquaponics system, very basic system. He was saying that he couldnt understand why people use ornamental fish in aquaponics systems and nothing is said, that when he imports/exports fish, food fish and ornamental fish cant come in contact with one another otherwise there are large fines because of the potential disease risk.

My question is: Are there any disease which can be transferred to the plants you grow and then to the consumer from ornamental fish (gold fish) or as long as you wash the veggies before eating they're fine?

Look forward to your thoughts.

Add

[Jagungal]

A gogle search says there a few diseases, mainly bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans via fish. In all cases though, cooking fish removes these risks.

As for going from Fish --> Plants --> Humans ... well there is always the remote chance of some parasites being transmitted via water but I can't find any examples of other types of diseases which are common to both fish and plants.

Did he mention the diseases his fish had that can be transmitted to humans ? Maybe he should be warning his customers about the dangers of coming into contact with his fish - or maybe stop worrying about it.

[GaryD]

Hi,

If you want to avoid disease transmission in your fish (or other organisms), my advice would be to stay well clear of aquarium shops.

Bringing fish or plants into your system from the wild should also be avoided.

If you keep chickens (or other micro-livestock), don't buy your birds from feed stores......for the same reason.

Even if the store owner is running a good clean operation, they will have a procession of people through their premises every day......any one of whom could be carrying something nasty on their hands or footwear.

Gary

[arachdog]

There is a type of Tuberculosis bacteria than can infect both fish and humans. I tend to the opinion that even if you did have a sick fish harmful levels of bacteria probably wouldn't build up on the edible portions of your vegetables. But it would still prudent to try and avoid getting fish water directly onto whatever your going to eat, and quarantine the entire system for while if you do notice a sick fish.

[Add]

Have been away for a bit.

Thanks for all the information guys thats great, feel allot better now. Had a feeling that he was probably making a bigger deal out of it than it was.

Thanks again.
Add