Rare transmissible cancer found in catfish in Quebec and U.S. lakes
Transmissible cancer in fish: scientists spot melanoma in brown bullhead catfish See how this rare wildlife disease is spreading across the Quebec-Vermont border
Researchers have identified what appears to be the first known transmissible cancer in fish after finding melanoma tumors in brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, which straddles the QuebecVermont border.
The study found that about onethird of the catfish examined had black, lumpy growths on their skin. Scientists said the condition was also detected in catfish from lakes in the United States, suggesting the disease is present on both sides of the border.
The finding adds to ongoing research into unusual cancers in wildlife and how they spread in aquatic environments.