http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?cid=15512&cat=dis&lang=engStreptococcus iniae is the diagnosis given to the quandary of dead fish found in the coastal waters around the Federation of St.Kitts/Nevis. Streptococcus iniae is a pathogen or bacterial strain that is found in fish which causes fish in the aquaculture environment to spin, spiral and display unusual swimming behavior until they die. Assistance was sought from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and other samples were sent to labs in British Columbia, Canada. The Veterinary University’s first sample of dead fish was received on January 31st, a red snapper found in the area of Sandy Point, and the sample was cultured by technicians at the University. Research Associate, Mr. John Brake, who worked on the fish sample assignment, has said that the finding of the Ross University has also been corroborated by medical associates working in labs in Canada. Apart from that preliminary analysis of Streptococcus iniae not much more is known. Mr. John Brake was asked if the problem of finding dead fish washed ashore has passed, he replied, “We don’t know.”
That response was identical for questions of whether the incidences of dead fish will re-occur, worsen or be reduced. Doctor Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, said, “The public is right to be concerned about this.” He further emphasized that there has been no case; none; of human infection found in the population of St.Kitts/Nevis. The ongoing relationship with the fishermen has been very cooperative said Mr. Joe Simmons, head fisheries officer, “Once we tell them about the situation they do bring samples in,” he said. The infection has been found in various species of fish and the general populace is asked to exercise caution when buying fish. Streptococcus iniae can be transmitted from fish to human via the exposures of cuts in the skin to the bacteria. Fish should be prepared in the strictest adherence to the exact handling procedures. It is recommended that fish is cooked at a temperature of 160 Fahrenheit in order to kill the microorganism, streptococcus iniae.)
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this is bad news