The Department of Fisheries Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Government of India Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi has noticed that messages are spreading on social, print and electronic media stating that consumption of fish and fishery products may spread Corona virus infection to the human being. This kind of messages has created panic amongst the fish farmers, fishing industries and consumers. Because of this misleading information the sale of fish and fishery products may suffer and fish farmers depending on fish farming and related industries may face loss of livelihood.
In addition to fish farmers who are directly involved in the fish farming, numerous allied industries are also involved indirectly with the fisheries sector. Hence, any kind of panic related to fish and fishery products consumption will adversely impact livelihoods of people.
The consumers will also be deprived of availability of affordable source of protein and other essential nutrients. The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is continuously keeping vigil on the Corona virus situation in the world and in the country. So far it has been noticed that the predominant route of transmission of Noval Corono Virus (2019-nCov) appears to be human interaction. The virus is transmitted through human to human as per World Animal Health Organization (OIE), though 2019-nCov might have animal source. Fisheries have not found to be involved in transmission of Corona virus to human so far in any report globally. Similar viral outbreaks of Corona virus in the past (SARS 2002-03, MERS 2012-13) or Corona associated common cold had no involvement of fishery or fishery products world over. Thus, the consumption of fish and fishery products is safe. However general hygiene needs to be followed.
