Patna: The Bihar government has advised people not to consume unknown or unfamiliar fish found in floodwaters, following reports of illness among some people who allegedly consumed such fish in flood-affected areas.
The advisory was issued by the Department of Dairy, Animal and Fisheries Resources after unfamiliar fish species were reportedly found in parts of Bihar along with floodwaters flowing from Nepal.
Floodwaters May Contaminate Fish
The department cautioned that fish washed out of ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs during floods can spread across large areas.
During this movement, fish may come into prolonged contact with open drains, dead animals and decaying matter, increasing the possibility of contamination from bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Officials have therefore advised residents to avoid consuming fish caught directly from floodwaters until environmental conditions return to normal and the risk from natural contaminants and pathogens subsides.
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Government Advises Strict Precaution
The advisory comes as flood-affected communities may encounter unfamiliar fish species in water bodies and areas inundated by floodwaters.
The department has appealed to residents to strictly avoid consuming unknown fish as a precautionary measure.
People have also been asked to report sightings of unfamiliar fish to their respective district fisheries officer or local administration. This could help authorities identify the species and monitor their spread in affected areas.
Watch for Symptoms After Eating Fish
The government has also advised people who may have consumed such fish to remain alert for unusual health symptoms.
Symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulty
- Other unusual symptoms
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating fish has been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre or hospital.
Why the Advisory Matters
Flooding can disrupt normal conditions in ponds, rivers and other water bodies, allowing fish and other aquatic organisms to move into unfamiliar areas. At the same time, floodwater can carry waste and other contaminants into water bodies.
The Bihar government’s advisory is therefore aimed at preventing avoidable health risks while flood-affected areas continue to recover.
The warning also highlights the need for residents to exercise caution with food obtained from floodwaters rather than assuming that unfamiliar fish are safe for consumption.
Authorities have urged the public to follow the advisory until environmental conditions improve and the risk of contamination reduces.
