Salmon Lovers Beware: CDC Identifies Tapeworm in Alaskan Caught Salmon

You may want to hold off on the sushi for awhile after scientists have identified a new breed of tapeworm that is said to be infecting wild caught salmon.

The Center for Disease Control published an study last month in the Preventions Monthly Journal that focuses on a new parasite called Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense aka the Japanese Tapeworm. According to the study, Emerging Infectious Diseases, the worm was previously believed to be found only in fish in Asia but researchers discovered that wild salmon caught in Alaska were also infected by the parasite. It was those results which prompted researchers to warm the public about a possible infection of fish caught anywhere along the Pacific Coast of North America.

The CDC writes that "salmon from the American and Asian Pacific coasts and elsewhere pose potential dangers for persons who eat these fish raw."

According to CNN in 2013 researchers identified four species known to carry the tapeworm; chum salmon, masu salmon, pink salmon, and sockeye salmon. There is conflicting information about the potential risks if the tapeworm is contracted. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine tells CNN that most infected humans remain would remain asymptomatic, some may feel slight abdominal discomfort or nausea. They stated that in some rare cases the infection can turn out to be more serious.

So what does this mean? No more delicious salmon sushi? Not necessarily. The Seattle Times reminds us that our good ole friends at the FDA have strict guidelines when it comes to consuming raw fish. The FDA requires that all fish to be eaten raw in the U.S. are frozen first, which would kill any parasites.

Still not sure you want to risk it...no worries. We have the prefect sushi substitution, chicken wings. And there will be plenty to go around next weekend (1/28) at the return of Hudson Valley Wing Wars. I can promise there wont be any salmon in sight.