Can cause medical problems if consumed

A serious health problem is looming as several persons have being catching fish in sewage ponds near Old Harbour and selling them to unsuspecting customers.

THE STAR has learnt that these persons are fishing at ponds located at Old Harbour Villa, St Catherine.

"This is not a joking thing when mi say man wid hook and line a catch out the fish and go sell them and dat can't be right at all," one concerned female said.

Other persons during interviews expressed similar views and added that it's hoped that the practice will be prevented by authorities.

When THE STAR spoke to senior medical practitioner, Dr Raymoth Notice, he said that there are health implications for those who consume any of these fish.

"Health problems can occur. It is not to be taken lightly, there might be a condition called oral-faecal transmission and that can result in a form of hepatitis," Dr Notice said

He added that the fish were placed in the ponds to clear them of mosquitoes.

He further said that problems can be caused by any animals that eat organisms from such an environment as the ponds.

Several persons who spoke with THE STAR said the practice is especially prevalent on Sundays. It is said that the catchers have being expressing their delight at the large size of the fish in the pond.

Checks made by THE STAR revealed that the fish are being sold for up to $150 per pound.