Nepal Flash Floods Bring Unknown Fish To Bihar; Government Advises People Against Consumption

The recent flash floods in Nepal have caused the rising water levels in Bihar, leading to the discovery of unidentified fish in water bodies and flood-affected areas. Authorities have issued an advisory, cautioning residents against catching, selling, or consuming fish whose species and origin cannot be verified. This advisory comes as concerns grow over the movement of aquatic species through floodwaters, which can wash fish and other organisms from rivers, ponds, and breeding areas into unfamiliar locations.

In Bihar, which shares a geographical border with Nepal, floodwaters can travel across the border and alter local aquatic environments. The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has advised people not to consume fish caught from floodwaters, urging caution, especially in affected areas. The department highlights that floods can contaminate fish with sewage, dead animals, and other polluted materials, increasing the risk of bacterial, viral, and other pathogen contamination. Eating such fish could lead to health issues.

Officials have warned that consuming unfamiliar or strange-looking fish could be detrimental to health. Amid high river water levels and continuously shifting floodwaters, there is a risk of additional fish migration into new regions. The department has prohibited the sale of fish caught in floodwaters in local markets. Residents are urged to report sightings of such fish to local fisheries officials and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing after consuming these fish.