October 16, 2014

Bacteria found in fish samples from Singapore farms

Vibrio, a form of bacteria that thrives in tropical marine environments, has been found in fish samples taken from coastal farms in Singapore, Channel NewsAsia reports.

The discovery was made by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore.

The bacteria had killed 60 tonnes of fish in two Lim Chu Kang farms, said Phillip Lim, chairman of Singapore Marine Aquaculture Cooperative.

"For us, as farmers, we don't have the equipment, so we need more professional help on that, to advise us what to do about all this. Because Vibrio can also infect humans, so it is quite dangerous," Lim added.

The discovery comes as experts cautioned of the rapid growth of marine micro-organisms due to warm weather and increased sea surface temperatures. Such organisms release toxins which have lethal effects on fish. 

Humans can get infected by Vibrio via consumption of undercooked seafood or exposing an open wound to sea water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

While dead fish are disposed of, those still alive are sold at local markets.