Can You Eat Zombie Salmon? The Risks and Facts Explained

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish that people love to eat However, in recent years, there have been increasing reports of “zombie salmon” showing up in certain rivers and streams. This phenomenon has raised concerns among salmon consumers regarding whether it is safe to eat zombie salmon

So what exactly is a zombie salmon? And can you safely eat it or should you avoid it altogether? Let’s find out

What is Zombie Salmon?

Zombie salmon are salmon that have Nanophyetus salmincola, a parasite that is very dangerous and can kill them. This parasite changes the way salmon act in a way that makes them act “zombie-like.”

The infected fish tend to swim recklessly, show no fear towards predators, and appear disoriented. Their body also becomes covered in thick white patches and whitish trails across the fins. Due to this abnormal behavior, the fish are often referred to as zombie salmon.

The parasite gets into salmon from freshwater snails that are infected and release larvae that go through the skin of young salmon. As the salmon mature, the parasite forms cysts inside their body.

Animals from the tribes, like bears and wolves, can get the parasite if they eat these raw salmon that had it. This completes the parasite’s life cycle, letting it reproduce and lay eggs in the waste of the animals that eat it.

So in essence, the parasite manipulates the behavior of the fish to make them more susceptible to being eaten by predators. This helps proliferate the parasite.

The Health Risks of Eating Zombie Salmon

Now the big question – can humans get infected and sick if they eat zombie salmon?

According to experts, YES it is possible to get infected by eating zombie salmon.

When consumed raw or undercooked, the parasite can survive in the human body and cause a type of foodborne illness called salmon poisoning disease.

Some of the common symptoms of salmon poisoning disease include:

• Nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea
• Headache and fever
• Dehydration
• Weakness and fatigue
• In rare cases, the infection can spread to the liver, lungs, heart and brain which can be life-threatening

The parasite cannot be killed by freezing or smoking the fish. It can only be destroyed by thoroughly cooking the fish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

This means eating raw zombie salmon in the form of sashimi or sushi is extremely dangerous and should be avoided completely. Consuming partly cooked or smoked zombie salmon also carries risk.

According to the CDC, there have been some cases reported of humans getting infected with the salmon poisoning disease after consuming zombie salmon. However, the exact number of cases is unknown because the disease often gets misdiagnosed as other common food poisoning.

FAQs Related to Eating Zombie Salmon

Here are answers to some common questions regarding the safety and risks of eating zombie salmon:

Can you get rid of the parasite by cooking thoroughly?

No, unfortunately the Nanophyetus salmincola parasite can survive temperatures as high as 145°F. To be considered safe for consumption, the fish needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for at least 15 seconds to kill the parasite. So proper cooking is a must.

Are some cooking methods safer than others?

Yes, cooking methods where the fish reaches the adequate temperature for the full duration is critical. Grilling, roasting, baking are safer cooking methods. Quick searing or pan frying may not kill the parasite completely.

What is the safest way to tell if the fish is cooked through?

Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish and confirm it reaches 145°F internally. When done, the salmon should flake easily with a fork. Let it rest for 3 minutes before eating.

Can you see the parasite in the fish?

No, the parasite cysts inside the salmon flesh are microscopic. There is no way to visually distinguish between normal salmon and zombie salmon. You would not be able to see the parasite.

Are all salmon from certain rivers infected?

No, not all salmon in streams with the parasite are infected. It is hard to tell which ones are, so caution should be exercised when consuming salmon caught from parasite-prevalent waters.

Can salmon poisoning disease be treated?

Yes, antibiotics and adequate hydration can help treat the condition effectively in humans if diagnosed early. Seeking prompt medical attention is advised if symptoms occur after consumption.

Can dogs also get infected by eating zombie salmon?

Yes, dogs are at high risk of getting salmon poisoning disease if they eat raw zombie salmon. It can be life-threatening for them and requires prompt veterinarian attention. Hence dogs should not be fed uncooked zombie salmon either.

How to Reduce Your Risk When Consuming Salmon

Here are some tips to reduce your potential exposure risk when consuming salmon:

• Ask where the salmon is caught from. Avoid or cook thoroughly if from parasite-prevalent waters.

• Check for raw white patches or lesions on the fish skin and fins which could indicate parasitic infection.

• Ensure salmon is thoroughly cooked to the right internal temperature (145°F) when consumed.

• Be cautious when eating salmon raw in sushi and sashimi form. Ensure the source of salmon is trusted.

• Do not purchase already cooked or smoked salmon from questionable sources. Reheat until steaming hot before consuming.

• Educate fish mongers and chefs on safe zombie salmon handling and cooking practices if serving to customers.

• Follow strict hygiene practices when handling and cooking salmon to prevent cross-contamination of foods or surfaces.

• Freeze salmon for 7 days at -4°F or below before eating raw to kill any potential parasites (still not foolproof).

The Future of Zombie Salmon

The phenomenon of zombie salmon and their parasitic infections raises many environmental and ethical concerns for the future:

• Climate change and water pollution is contributing to increased snail population allowing proliferation of the parasite. Addressing these larger issues is important.

• Animal welfare advocates argue forcibly infecting predators is unethical. More humane parasite control methods must be researched.

• Balancing protection of endangered salmon populations versus addressing zombie salmon issue is challenging.

• Commercial fishing practices may require updating protocols for inspecting and processing infected salmon.

• There are concerns zombie salmon can negatively impact indigenous communities relying on salmon harvests.

In conclusion, it is recommended to exercise caution when consuming salmon caught from waters known to have zombie salmon present. Look for signs of infection, ask for the source, cook thoroughly, and follow safe handling practices to minimize any risks to your health. While cooking destroys the parasite, the safest option is to avoid eating zombie salmon altogether if concerned.