Russia: Helminthiasis pathogens found in fish from Belgorod reservoirs

In September, the Belgorod region in Russia identified viable larvae and metacercariae of parasites in fish samples, as part of federal state epizootological monitoring. The finding has prompted requests from the Rosselkhoznadzor Administration to the Belgorod Region's Veterinary Administration for further action. These parasites, including Paracoenogonimus ovatus and Opisthorchis, can cause diseases in both fish and humans. Opisthorchiasis, the disease caused by Opisthorchis metacercariae, can lead to significant damage to the bile ducts, liver tissue, and pancreas if the fish is undercooked or insufficiently dried.

Sampling was carried out in September as part of the federal state epizootological monitoring of veterinary safety of production areas in the Belgorod region. According to the results of studies by the Federal State Budgetary Institution "NCBR" and the Belgorod testing laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "ARRIAH", viable larvae of paracoenogonymus, postodiplostomosis, postodiplostomosis and viable metacercariae of opisthorchis were found in the samples. Specialists of the Rosselkhoznadzor Administration sent requests to the Veterinary Administration of the Belgorod Region regarding the detection of quarantine and especially dangerous diseases for the purpose of further action. Reference: Paracenogonimosis and postdiplostomosis are widespread invasions of freshwater fish caused by the larvae (metacercariae) of Paracoenogonimus ovatus, parasitizing the muscles, gills, brain, liver, kidneys, gonads, intestinal wall of carp, perch, pike, whitefish, herring, sturgeon ...