Fish Tuberculosis.

[cooledwhip]

I was watching a fish video on youtube and they lady mentioned that fish TB is a real thing and it can be serious. Is this true? How big is a problem with fish TB? It's something I never considered. I reach my hand in my tanks all the time to move something or grab a fish to see if he has grown much and don't really wash my hands..
 
Is that a problem? thanks
 

 

[Byron]

It would be a problem if the fish did have Mycobacteriosis (TB), as it can be transmitted to humans.  I would be careful if there are any open sores (cuts, insect bites) on your hands; wearing rubber gloves would solve this.
 
Having said that, I have never worried about it.  But humans have contracted this from fish in aquaria.  I had a link to an article in PFK about this, but can't find it now.

 

[HarpyFishLover]

And also, you should just as a general rule always wash your hands after sticking them in an aquarium, fishless or otherwise, because of chemicals and fish waste in the water.

 

[Akasha72]

as others have said - be careful about putting your hands in the tank if you have any cuts/open wounds and yes, wash your hands after doing anything with the tank, filters etc. I use an anti-bacterial hand wash just to be sure.
 
All that said, I've not come across fish TB in the 5+ years I've had fish and I would suspect it's quite rare

 

[StevenF]

TB is a bacterial infection people get.  Fish also get bacterial infections but it may not be TB.  Some bacteria  are harmless to some animals while deadly to others.   Bacteria are everywhere including in your fish tank.  In addition to bacteria, parasites and viruses are also probably prescient.  Cleaning your hands after putting them in the tank is always  a wise precaution.  

 

[Teddiwithani]

Is it possible to cure fish with this bacterial disease? I have recently noticed my pink danios becoming bent and emaciated. I have removed them all from my tank but wonder if I can save them somehow?