Diseases

[Barb]

Are any of the fish diseases and parasites contagious to us? I was reading a post here that mentioned TB, and it made me wonder.

[Barb]

I really hope it isn't a stupid question.....

[shari2]

Yes, there are many zoonotic diseases/parasites of fish. If in doubt, check it out.
I may decide it's worthwhile to keep a running list, rather than rely on memory...

.................edit.........
Here's a link to a list. Not all-inclusive, however:
http://iacuc.al.umces.edu/zoonotic-diseases.html

Generally, zoonoses from aquarium fish are rare and are most often associated with a cut or lesion of the hand or fingers during maintenance of an infected tank. They are also not generally life threatening although Mycobacteriosis, Pseudomonas (especially present in southeast Asian fisheries) are possible infectious issues. Salmonella is also transmittable via fish, and will create gastrointestinal issues, but will go away on its own. It is also rare.
Incidences of zoonotic transmissions from aquaria to humans are uncommon, and usually treatable with antibiotics or by simply allowing them to run their course. Common symptoms on human skin are redness, lesions, or swelling/heat in an infected site. Pay attention to the symptoms and decide whether or not they could be related to your interactions with your fish. If you're concerned a visit to a MD is called for to determine which antibiotic is needed (if any) by taking a culture from the infected site.

If you do have a cut or sore on your hands and plan to do maintenance, especially in a tank with known sick fish, take some precautions like gloves or doing what you must without putting a hand in the tank, if possible.

[KLKelly]

I've been reading up on this also because I have a sick cat with the main symptom being a wet cough. I was worried becuase he drinks fish water when ever there is a chance. (I broke a filter top which allowed him access). I've saran wrapped it to keep him out.

I sought advice and an aquatic vet in the states responded with : "Aquatic TB in mammals is usually only a problem in the extremities because it cannot survive at higher temperatures. That is why people get hand lesions".

I was wondering about flukes and other parasites though.

[Barb]

That's interesting....25 years ago, when I had a little 20 gallon hex tank, I contracted mycobacterial pneumonia. At that time, I was not very good about keeping my tank clean, so when I did clean it, it was an awful mess (just for the record, I have completely reformed with 75 gallon tank that I have now). I wonder if that's how I picked it up.

Are there any chemicals in gloves that could be toxic to the fish, or can I use the non-latex, nitrile gloves that I use at work?

[shari2]

I don't really know about nitrile gloves. In any case, you'd want the gloves to be long enough not to end up getting water inside them...

[Barb]

Okay, thanks for the info!

[Emma Turner]

You can purchase specific 'pond gauntlet gloves' which are as the name suggests long-armed and safe for use in aquariums and ponds. The trouble with these is they often only sell in a large size, which can sometimes be too big for the delicate hands of us ladies!

Emma

[shari2]

Rather than writing up something, here's a nicely done short on the issue from Cathy at Pleco Fanatics

[Barb]

Thank you, Shari....it's good information.