Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Filled with Pus

Observation: A local resident cleaning fish observed a chum salmon with pus draining from the flesh of the fish. Charles writes, the salmons backbone and meat of the fish carcass have been placed into a freezer. C. Prince, for local resident.

Alaska Department of Fish & Game Consult: Ted Meyer, State Fish Pathologist writes, "Based on the photo there appears to be a long linear-shaped abscess in the dorsal musculature of the affected chum salmon. The lesion is probably due to a bacterial infection, possibly introduced from a piercing type wound maybe caused by a predator or a gaff or spear."

• T. Meyer, ADF&G writes, "A probable abscess renders this fish likely not fit for human consumption so it should be discarded."

Observer Comment: Based on this for future references, should we just take pictures and discard the fish? C. Prince

Resource:

Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Common Diseases of Wild and Cultured Fishes in Alaska, a good reference for learning about illness in salmon provided by the, Fish Pathology Laboratory.