https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_httpslnkdindwgt25vd-zimbabwean-aquaculture-activity-7292261657005744128-EAgf?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios. Zimbabwean Aquaculture Fish: A Potentially Safer Protein Source John Cassim Experts have revealed that Zimbabwean fish produced through aquaculture could be a safer source of protein, as no fish-to-human disease transmission has been recorded. This comes amid global concerns about the alarming rise of zoonotic diseases, contributing to Neglected Tropical Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in humans. While wild fish can carry parasites potentially transmissible to humans particularly trematode and nematode worms if the fish is eaten raw or undercooked the Zimbabwean aquaculture sector has largely avoided the improper use of antibiotics like Oxytetracycline, Aquaflor, and Romet 30, which are used to treat various fish diseases in other countries. “Zoonotic diseases spread from animals to humans, but Zimbabwe currently has no documented cases of disease transmission between fish and humans. Infections typically occur through consuming undercooked meat or through wounds and abrasions,” said Mr. Milton Makumbe, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Production Department. “Although several disease-causing pathogens have been identified in both humans and fish, no conclusive link has been established between the two,” he added. “However, Zimbabwe cannot afford to be complacent. Further investigations are necessary to establish a definitive understanding. Therefore, while the statement about the lack of fish-to-human disease transmission in Zimbabwe currently holds true, the risk remains,” he concluded. Research Findings Research has shown that wild fish parasites, such as trematodes, are transmitted through aquatic snails to fish, livestock (causing liver flukes), birds, and humans (e.g., schistosomes/bilharzia). Some fish flukes, like clinostomes and heterophyidae, can potentially transmit to humans, causing laryngitis (inflamed voice box). This is more common in Asia, where raw or undercooked farmed carp is often consumed as homemade sushi. “In Africa, this risk cannot be discounted, as many fishing communities in remote areas like the Kariba/Zambezi Valley, Binga, lack access to quality healthcare and have limited clinical records of potential snail-borne and fish-borne zoonoses,” said Professor Maxwell Barson, a fish parasitologist formerly with the University of Zimbabwe for 15 years before joining the University of Botswana in 2020. Professor Barson highlighted the risk in Lake Kariba, where heterophyid cysts have been found in kapenta gills. Kapenta is often preserved by salting and drying, and many people consume them uncooked, potentially transmitting trematode parasites. “This illustrates the One Health concept, where pressures on the aquatic environment lead to the proliferation of invasive snails, introducing new parasites to native animals, which can then potentially infect humans,” Professor Barson added. For more on this story follow this link; https://www.conservezim.com/2025/02/03/zimbabwean-aquaculture-fish-a-potentially-safer-protein-source/