1 day ago
Bihar Warns Against Unknown Fish Carried By Nepal Floodwaters
Floods from Nepal have carried water and fish into parts of Bihar.
Some fish are appearing in places where people do not usually see them.
Bihar officials say people should not catch, buy, sell, or eat fish from floodwaters.
Floodwater can mix with sewage, dead animals, dirty drains, and other harmful materials.
This can put dangerous germs on or in the fish.
Some people were reportedly sick after eating the fish, although the reports are described as alleged.
Videos showed very large catfish near the Gandak River.
An expert said many may be goonch catfish, which can spoil quickly after dying.
People should report unusual fish and get medical help if they feel sick after eating them.
Bihar authorities advised residents not to catch, buy, sell, or eat unidentified fish carried into the state by Nepal floodwaters.
The warning followed reports of unfamiliar fish in flood-affected areas and alleged illnesses after some people consumed them.
Officials said floodwater can expose fish to sewage, open drains, dead animals, decaying matter, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.
Videos showed unusually large catfish near the Gandak River; wildlife expert Sameer Kumar Sinha said many may be goonch catfish.
Residents were told to report unusual fish, ignore rumours, and seek medical care for vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
- Who
- The Bihar Department of Dairy, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Bihar Fisheries Division, district fisheries officials, local administrators, residents, and wildlife expert Sameer Kumar Sinha.
- What
- Authorities advised people not to catch, buy, sell, or consume unfamiliar fish or fish caught directly from floodwaters.
- Where
- Flood-affected areas of Bihar, particularly around the Gandak and Kosi rivers, which carry water originating in Nepal.
- When
- The advisory was reported on September 2, 2026; reports differed on whether it was issued Monday or Tuesday.
- Why
- Officials said floodwaters can expose fish to sewage, polluted drains, dead animals, decaying matter, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.
Official Safety Warning
Possible Species Identification
Whether the fish should be eaten
Official Safety Warning
Bihar authorities and Nepal police urged people to avoid unfamiliar fish and fish caught from floodwaters until they are identified and declared safe.
Possible Species Identification
Sameer Kumar Sinha said many fish seen near the Gandak may be Bagarius bagarius, or goonch catfish, a species consumed by local communities; he still supported caution because the fish can spoil quickly after death.
Source of the health risk
Official Safety Warning
Officials attributed the danger to possible contamination from floodwater, including sewage, dead animals, decaying matter, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.
Possible Species Identification
The expert view suggests the fish may be a known species rather than inherently unfamiliar or unsafe, but polluted water and rapid spoilage could still create health risks.
Key facts
- Advising authority
- Bihar’s Department of Dairy, Animal and Fisheries Resources, including its Fisheries Division.
- Floodwater route
- Reports said water from Nepal’s Trishuli River was flowing into Bihar through the Gandak and Kosi rivers.
- Main restriction
- Residents were told not to catch, buy, sell, or consume unidentified fish or fish caught directly from floodwaters until conditions return to normal and the fish are cleared as safe.
- Reported fish
- Videos showed unusually large catfish near the Gandak River. Sameer Kumar Sinha said many may be Bagarius bagarius, commonly called goonch catfish or locally called Gochita.
- Contamination risks
- Officials cited possible contact with sewage, open drains, dead animals, decaying matter, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens.
- Symptoms requiring care
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach or abdominal pain, dizziness, breathing difficulty, or other unusual symptoms after eating the fish.
- Reporting instruction
- Residents should report unusual fish sightings to their district fisheries officer or local administration and avoid relying on rumours.
Quotes
Dr Saiprasad Girish Lad
Consultant gastroenterologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central
“Fish can get swept into water contaminated with sewage, animal waste, dead animals and other pollutants. This means the fish may carry microorganisms not normally present in their usual habitat. The concern is not about fish as a food itself, but about the environment they have been exposed to. Until the water bodies return to normal and the fish are considered safe by the concerned authorities, it is better to avoid them.”
indianexpress.com
“I appeal to people to avoid eating fish flowing in from Nepal through rivers such as Gandak… These are visibly distinct in their appearance. These fish are known to cause stomachache, vomiting and breathing difficulties. Consumption of such fish may also lead to infections. It is better not to eat them,”
theprint.in
Bihar government officials
Officials from Bihar’s Department of Dairy, Animal and Fisheries Resources
“Without identification and confirmation from the concerned department, do not consider any unfamiliar fish fit for consumption.”
wionews.com
“Consuming these fish is hazardous to health”
deccanchronicle.com
telegraphindia.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Bihar government issues advisory against consuming fish washed in by Nepal floods
'Don't Eat Fish Caught From Floodwaters': Bihar On Alert After Nepal Tragedy
Nepal floodwater fish warning: Why Bihar has advised people against eating them
Bihar govt cautions against consuming unknown fish entering state with Nepal floodwaters
Bihar Advises Against Consuming Unknown Fish From Floodwaters
Nepal Flash Floods Bring Unknown Fish To Bihar; Government Advises People Against Consumption
‘Don’t consider any unfamiliar fish fit for consumption’: Bihar govt urges people amid Nepal floods
'Avoid Eating Or Selling': Bihar Warns After 'Unusual-Looking' Fish Washed In By Nepal Floods
Bihar government warns against eating unknown fish carried by Nepal floodwaters - Telegraph India
Bihar Govt Cautions Against Eating Unknown Fish Entering State With Nepal Flood
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