Hi Steve,

Zebrafish do not normally carry any zoonotic disease. Mycobacterium marinum is an occupational hazard for aquarium work, and could potentially infect a cut or wound, so gloves that are high enough to exclude water should always be worn if there are any cuts on the hand.

Fish allergy is a potential issue for people who are physically handling the fish but it would have to be a pretty dramatic allergy. Depending on what is being done with the fish, there could be aerosolization of fish tissue (fissue?) which could be a risk for someone who is sensitized. I would let someone with a dietary fish allergy work with them and just advise them of symptoms to report.

Routine medical surveillance is not necessary unless the fish are being infected experimentally with an agent that would otherwise warrant surveillance.

Hope this helps,

Melanie

Melanie Swift, MD
Senior Associate Consultant

Division of Preventive, Occupational, and Aerospace Medicine

Phone 507.284.2560

_______________________________
Mayo Clinic
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
www.mayoclinic.org

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Wintermeyer, Stephen F.
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2017 12:19 PM
To: 'MCOH/EH'
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Zebrafish Zoonotic Infections

I have been asked by a researcher at our medical school to provide her with the following information about zebrafish.  She plans to start a research project using zebrafish.

What zoonotic infections are associated with zebrafish?

What work practices should be put in place to minimize risk of these zoonotic infections?
Is there any surveillance that should be done regarding researchers that work with zebrafish?

In my research, I have found little to suggest a significant zoonotic risk to researchers from zebrafish, but I would appreciate any input from Occ Med Physician with more experience dealing with such animals.

Thank you.

Stephen Wintermeyer, MD, MPH
Director
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine

Campus Health
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Coleman Hall, Suite 100
1140 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN  46202
317-274-8214